Gaming machine, game control method and game system

ABSTRACT

A gaming machine of the present invention comprises: output means for outputting, by an operation of a player, a start signal indicating start of a game; winning combination determination means for determining a winning combination by a lottery according to reception of the start signal; means for paying out game media according to the determined winning combination; and means for issuing, when the number of games accumulatively counted each time a game is played reaches a set value that is an object of comparison with said number of games, a recorded storage medium on which predetermined gift information is recorded.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit of priority based on PCT/JP2005/015809filed on Aug. 30, 2005. The contents of this application areincorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a slot machinein which a game is conducted using a game media (game valuable) such asa coin and the like, a game control method for the gaming machine, and agame system comprising the gaming machine and a control device.

2. Discussion of the Background

Conventionally, in a facility in which gaming machines such as a slotmachine are installed, a game is played by inserting various kinds ofgame media such as a coin, cash and the like into a gaming machine. Eachgaming machine pays out a dividend to a player according to a prizewining state (a result of playing the game) generated while the game isin progress.

In a casino where plural slot machines are installed, a credit spent ineach slot machine is partly reserved and in a case where the reservationreaches a predetermined amount, one of the slot machines provides aso-called “jackpot” paying out a big amount, which is not paid out in anordinary hit (JP-A 2003-117053). In such slot machines, a hit in eachmachine usually occurs on a preset probability and a player advances agame with expectation of the hit to be encountered. One of the slotmachines has a chance to hit a jackpot at a timing in a lotterydifferent from a common lottery in which a hit based on theabove-mentioned probability is set in the slot machines. Generally,plural casinos are interconnected in a network in order to increase apayout amount in a jackpot.

Furthermore, a system has been available in which a host computer andplural gaming machines are interconnected on a network and thegenerating of a bonus in the gaming machines is controlled by the hostcomputer (U.S. Pat. No. 5,820,459) In this system, not only is thenumber of coins inserted into each gaming machine added up, but part ofa total number of inserted coins in the plural gaming machines areseparately added up as a bonus pool. The host computer gives a bonusqualification to a gaming machine in which the number of inserted coinsreaches a predetermined number. The host computer transmits a command toone gaming machine selected from gaming machines having bonusqualification, when a value of the bonus pool reaches a predeterminedthreshold value. The gaming machine which received the command isenabled to play a bonus game high in gambling characteristic.

Hitherto, a gaming machine exists that issues a ticket on whichinformation of value is printed according to generation of a specialgame such as generation of a game event or generation of a bonus eventwhen the number of games reaches a predetermined number or when thepayment balance in terms of game media reaches a predetermined number(JP-A 2002-526217). In the gaming machine disclosed in JP-A 2002-526217,when a special game is forcedly generated or a predetermined specialgame generation condition is satisfied, a ticket is issued.

In a slot machine described in JP-A 2003-117053, however, it is a playerwho plays a game in a gaming machine selected in a lottery that enjoys aprofit from a jackpot. Hence, there has arisen a case where a playerhaving spent many coins cannot enjoy a profit from a jackpot at all, butanother player who has just started the game acquires a jackpot profit.

In the system described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,820,459 as well, a chance toacquire the profit of a bonus game is one of gaming machines in which atotal number of inserted coins reaches a predetermined number. A chanceto acquire the profit of a bonus game is not always given to a playerhaving spent many coins. Therefore, in the system described in U.S. Pat.No. 5,820,459, there has arisen a case where a player having spent manycoins cannot secure the profit of a bonus game and another player whohas just started the game acquires a bonus game profit, in a similar wayto that in a slot machine described in JP-A 2003-117053.

In the system described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,820,459, part of the numberof inserted coins in each of plural gaming machines is added up as abonus pool. Hence, in a case where an operation rate of the gamingmachines in the system is low, a player, who has spent many of coins,has had a possibility not to be rewarded by the profit of a bonus gamesince the value of the bonus pool does not reaches a predeterminedthreshold value.

If such circumstances occur, a player who has spent many coins may feelunpleasant against the game, build up distrust thereto, or lose interestin or a concern on the game.

In the gaming machine disclosed in JP-A 2002-526217, when a special gameis forcedly generated, the course of a game is disturbed in such amanner that the result of a lottery in the game (game in which a specialgame is generated) is not reflected in the game. Further, in theconfiguration where a ticket is issued when a predetermined special gamegeneration condition is satisfied, as long as a special game cannot begenerated, even a player who has spent a large number of coins cannotenjoy a profit of the special game. Consequently, when the number ofgames reaches a predetermined number or when the payment balance interms of game media reaches a predetermined number, it is necessary toensure a player who has spent a large number of coins a certain degreeof profit without disturbing the course of a game.

The contents of JP-A 2003-117053, JP-A 2002-526217 and U.S. Pat. No.5,820,459 are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been made in light of the above-mentionedproblems and it is an object of the present invention to provide: agaming machine capable of preventing, without disturbing the course of agame, a player who has spent many of the game media such as coins fromfeeling unpleasant against a game, building up a distrust thereto, orlosing interest in or a concern on the game; a control device; and agame system.

Means for Solving the Problem

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present inventionprovides the following configuration:

(1) A gaming machine comprising means for issuing, when the number ofgames accumulatively counted each time a game is played reaches a setvalue that is an object of comparison with the number of games, arecorded storage medium on which predetermined gift information isrecorded.

According to the configuration (1), when the number of games reaches aset value that is an object of comparison with the number of games, thegaming machine issues a recorded storage medium (for example, a receipt)on which predetermined gift information is recorded. Hence, even when alarge number of game media have been spent, the recorded storage mediumis issued if the game is played until the number of games reaches theset value. Thus, a player can certainly receive a return as a result ofplaying the game until the number of games reaches the set value. As aresult, a player who has spent a large number of game media can beprevented from feeling unpleasant against the game, building up distrustthereto, or losing interest in or a concern on the game.

The present invention provides the following configuration:

(2) A gaming machine connected through a communication line to a controldevice which accumulatively counts the number of games for every gamingmachine of plural gaming machines, comprising:

means for transmitting an identification information of the gamingmachine to the control device through the communication line each time agame is played;

means for receiving a command signal transmitted from the control devicewhen the number of games accumulatively counted by the control devicebased on the identification information of the gaming machine reaches aset value that is an object of comparison with the number of games; and

means for issuing, based on the command signal, a recorded storagemedium on which predetermined gift information is recorded.

According to the configuration (2), when the number of games counted bythe control device reaches a set value that is an object of comparisonwith the number of games, the gaming machine issues a recorded storagemedium on which predetermined gift information is recorded. Hence, evenwhen a large number of game media have been spent, the recorded storagemedium is issued if the game is played until the number of games reachesthe set value. Thus, a player can certainly receive a return as a resultof playing the game until the number of games reaches the set value. Asa result, a player who has spent a large number of game media can beprevented from feeling unpleasant against the game, building up distrustthereto, or losing interest in or a concern on the game.

The present invention provides the following configuration:

(3) A gaming machine comprising:

means for accumulatively counting the number of games each time a gameis played;

means for storing predetermined gift information;

means for determining whether or not the number of games has reached aset value set as an object of comparison with the number of games; and

means for issuing, when the number of games is determined to havereached the set value, a recorded storage medium on which predeterminedgift information is recorded.

According to the configuration (3), when the number of games reaches aset value that is an object of comparison with the number of games, thegaming machine issues a recorded storage medium on which predeterminedgift information is recorded. Hence, even when a large number of gamemedia have been spent, the recorded storage medium is issued if the gameis played until the number of games reaches the set value. Thus, aplayer can certainly receive a return as a result of playing the gameuntil the number of games reaches the set value. As a result, a playerwho has spent a large number of game media can be prevented from feelingunpleasant against the game, building up distrust thereto, or losinginterest in or a concern on the game.

The present invention provides the following configuration:

(4) A gaming machine comprising:

output means for outputting, by an operation of a player, a start signalindicating start of a game;

winning combination determination means for determining a winningcombination by a lottery according to reception of the start signal;

means for paying out game media according to the determined winningcombination; and

means for issuing, when the number of games accumulatively counted eachtime a game is played reaches a set value that is an object ofcomparison with the number of games, a recorded storage medium on whichpredetermined gift information is recorded.

According to the configuration (4), the gaming machine pays out gamemedia (for example, coins) according to a winning combination determinedby a lottery each time a game is played. Meanwhile, when the number ofgames reaches a set value that is an object of comparison with thenumber of games, the gaming machine issues a recorded storage medium(for example, a ticket) on which predetermined gift information isrecorded. Therefore, the player can clearly recognize that the obtainedprofit is based on the number of games. Further, even when a largenumber of game media have been spent, the recorded storage medium isissued if the game is played until the number of games reaches the setvalue, so that a player can certainly receive a return as a result ofplaying the game until the number of games reaches the set value.

When the number of games reaches the set value, the recorded storagemedium is issued, but there is no influence on the game being played.That is, the flow of a game is not disturbed by a special game or thelike which is suddenly generated during a game being played. Therefore,a player who has spent a large number of game media can be preventedfrom feeling unpleasant against a game, building up a distrust thereto,or losing interest in or a concern on the game without disturbing thecourse of the game.

The present invention provides the following configuration:

(5) A gaming machine connected through a communication line to a controldevice which accumulatively counts the number of games for every gamingmachine of plural gaming machines, comprising:

output means for outputting, by an operation of a player, a start signalindicating start of a game;

winning combination determination means for determining a winningcombination by a lottery according to reception of the start signal;

means for paying out game media according to the determined winningcombination;

means for transmitting an identification information of the gamingmachine to the control device through the communication line each time agame is played;

means for receiving a command signal transmitted from the control devicewhen the number of games accumulatively counted by the control devicebased on the identification information of the gaming machine reaches aset value that is an object of comparison with the number of games; and

means for issuing, based on the command signal, a recorded storagemedium on which predetermined gift information is recorded.

According to the configuration (5), the gaming machine pays out gamemedia according to a winning combination determined by a lottery eachtime a game is played. Meanwhile, when the number of games counted bythe control device reaches a set value, the gaming machine issues arecorded storage medium. Therefore, the player can clearly recognizethat the obtained profit is based on the number of games. Further, evenwhen a large number of game media have been spent, the recorded storagemedium is issued if the game is played until the number of games reachesthe set value, so that a player can certainly receive a return as aresult of playing the game until the number of games reaches the setvalue.

Further, since the flow of a game is not disturbed, a player who hasspent a large number of game media can be prevented from feelingunpleasant against a game, building up a distrust thereto, or losinginterest in or a concern on the game without disturbing the course ofthe game.

The present invention provides the following configuration:

(6) A gaming machine comprising:

output means for outputting, by an operation of a player, a start signalindicating start of a game;

winning combination determination means for determining a winningcombination by a lottery according to reception of the start signal;

means for paying out game media according to the determined winningcombination;

means for accumulatively counting the number of games each time a gameis played;

means for storing predetermined gift information;

means for determining whether or not the number of games has reached aset value set as an object of comparison with the number of games; and

means for issuing, when the number of games is determined to havereached the set value, a recorded storage medium on which predeterminedgift information is recorded.

According to the configuration (6), the gaming machine pays out gamemedia according to a winning combination determined by a lottery eachtime a game is played. Meanwhile, when the number of games reaches a setvalue, the gaming machine issues a recorded storage medium. Therefore,the player can clearly recognize that the obtained profit is based onthe number of games. Further, even when a large number of game mediahave been spent, the recorded storage medium is issued if the game isplayed until the number of games reaches the set value, so that a playercancertainly receive a return as a result of playing the game until thenumber of games reaches the set value.

Further, since the flow of a game is not disturbed, a player who hasspent a large number of game media can be prevented from feelingunpleasant against a game, building up a distrust thereto, or losinginterest in or a concern on the game without disturbing the course ofthe game.

The present invention provides the following configuration:

(7) The gaming machine according to any of the configurations (1) to(6), wherein the means for issuing the recorded storage medium issues,when the number of games reaches the set value that is an object ofcomparison with the number of games, a recorded storage medium on whichgift information corresponding to a predetermined number of game mediais recorded.

According to the configuration (7), the gaming machine issues a recordedstorage medium on which gift information corresponding to apredetermined number of game media (information such that the recordedstorage medium can be exchanged for 1,000 medals) is recorded. As aresult, a player who has spent a large number of game media can befurther prevented from feeling unpleasant against the game, building updistrust thereto, or losing interest in or a concern on the game.

The present invention provides the following configuration:

(8) A gaming machine equipped with a processing device wherein

the processing device executes:

a processing issuing, when the number of games accumulatively countedeach time a game is played reaches a set value that is an object ofcomparison with the number of games, a recorded storage medium on whichpredetermined gift information is recorded.

According to the configuration (8), when the number of games reaches aset value, the gaming machine issues a recorded storage medium.Therefore, even when a large number of game media have been spent, therecorded storage medium is issued if the game is played until the numberof games reaches the set value, so that a player can certainly receive areturn as a result of playing the game until the number of games reachesthe set value. As a result, a player who has spent a large number ofgame media can be prevented from feeling unpleasant against a game,building up a distrust thereto, or losing interest in or a concern onthe game.

The present invention provides the following configuration:

(9) A gaming machine equipped with a processing device and a storagedevice, and

connected through a communication line to a control device whichaccumulatively counts the number of games for every gaming machine ofplural gaming machines,

wherein

the processing device executes:

a processing transmitting an identification information of the gamingmachine stored in the storage device to the control device through thecommunication line each time a game is played;

a processing receiving a command signal transmitted from the controldevice when the number of games accumulatively counted by the controldevice based on the identification information of the gaming machinereaches a set value that is an object of comparison with the number ofgames; and

a processing issuing, based on the command signal, a recorded storagemedium on which predetermined gift information is recorded.

According to the configuration (9), when the number of games counted bythe control device reaches a set value, the gaming machine issues arecorded storage medium. Therefore, even when a large number of gamemedia have been spent, the recorded storage medium is issued if the gameis played until the number of games reaches the set value, so that aplayer can certainly receive a return as a result of playing the gameuntil the number of games reaches the set value. As a result, a playerwho has spent a large number of game media can be prevented from feelingunpleasant against a game, building up a distrust thereto, or losinginterest in or a concern on the game.

The present invention provides the following configuration:

(10) A gaming machine equipped with a processing device and a storagedevice,

wherein

the processing device executes:

a processing accumulatively counting the number of games each time agame is played;

a processing determining whether or not the number of games has reacheda set value set as an object of comparison with the number of games; and

a processing, when the number of games is determined to have reached theset value, reading predetermined gift information stored in the storagedevice, recording the predetermined gift information on a storage mediumand issuing the resultant recorded storage medium.

According to the configuration (10), when the number of games reaches aset value, the gaming machine issues a recorded storage medium.Therefore, even when a large number of game media have been spent, therecorded storage medium is issued if the game is played until the numberof games reaches the set value, so that a player can certainly receive areturn as a result of playing the game until the number of games reachesthe set value. As a result, a player who has spent a large number ofgame media can be prevented from feeling unpleasant against a game,building up a distrust thereto, or losing interest in or a concern onthe game.

The present invention provides the following configuration:

(11) A gaming machine equipped with a processing device, a storagedevice and an output device for outputting, by an operation of a player,a start signal indicating start of a game,

wherein

the processing device executes:

a processing determining one winning combination selected from pluralwinning combinations determined in advance by executing a lotteryprogram stored in the storage device according to reception of the startsignal which is output from the output device and indicates start of agame;

a processing paying out game media according to the determined winningcombination; and

a processing issuing, when the number of games accumulatively countedeach time a game is played reaches a set value that is an object ofcomparison with the number of games, a recorded storage medium on whichpredetermined gift information is recorded.

According to the configuration (11), the gaming machine pays out gamemedia according to a winning combination determined by a lottery eachtime a game is played. Meanwhile, when the number of games reaches a setvalue, the gaming machine issues a recorded storage medium. Therefore,the player can clearly recognize that the obtained profit is based onthe number of games. Further, even when a large number of game mediahave been spent, the recorded storage medium is issued if the game isplayed until the number of games reaches the set value, so that a playercan certainly receive a return as a result of playing the game until thenumber of games reaches the set value.

Further, since the flow of a game is not disturbed, a player who hasspent a large number of game media can be prevented from feelingunpleasant against a game, building up a distrust thereto, or losinginterest in or a concern on the game without disturbing the course ofthe game.

The present invention provides the following configuration:

(12) A gaming machine

equipped with a processing device, a storage device and an output devicefor outputting, by an operation of a player, a start signal indicatingstart of a game, and

connected through a communication line to a control device whichaccumulatively counts the number of games for every gaming machine ofplural gaming machines,

wherein

the processing device executes:

a processing determining one winning combination selected from pluralwinning combinations determined in advance by executing a lotteryprogram stored in the storage device according to reception of the startsignal which is output from the output device and indicates start of agame;

a processing paying out game media according to the determined winningcombination;

a processing transmitting an identification information of the gamingmachine stored in the storage device to the control device through thecommunication line each time a game is played;

a processing receiving a command signal transmitted from the controldevice when the number of games accumulatively counted by the controldevice based on the identification information of the gaming machinereaches a set value that is an object of comparison with the number ofgames; and

a processing issuing, based on the command signal, a recorded storagemedium on which predetermined gift information is recorded.

According to the configuration (12), the gaming machine pays out gamemedia according to a winning combination determined by a lottery eachtime a game is played. Meanwhile, when the number of games counted bythe control device reaches a set value, the gaming machine issues arecorded storage medium. Therefore, the player can clearly recognizethat the obtained profit is based on the number of games. Further, evenwhen a large number of game media have been spent, the recorded storagemedium is issued if the game is played until the number of games reachesthe set value, so that a player can certainly receive a return as aresult of playing the game until the number of games reaches the setvalue.

Further, since the flow of a game is not disturbed, a player who hasspent a large number of game media can be prevented from feelingunpleasant against a game, building up a distrust thereto, or losinginterest in or a concern on the game without disturbing the course ofthe game.

The present invention provides the following configuration:

(13) A gaming machine equipped with a processing device, a storagedevice and an output device for outputting, by an operation of a player,a start signal indicating start of a game,

wherein

the processing device executes:

a processing determining one winning combination selected from pluralwinning combinations determined in advance by executing a lotteryprogram stored in the storage device according to reception of the startsignal which is output from the output device and indicates start of agame;

a processing paying out game media according to the determined winningcombination;

a processing accumulatively counting the number of games each time agame is played;

a processing determining whether or not the number of games has reacheda set value set as an object of comparison with the number of games; and

a processing, when the number of games is determined to have reached theset value, reading predetermined gift information stored in the storagedevice, recording the predetermined gift information on a storage mediumand issuing the resultant recorded storage medium.

According to the configuration (13), the gaming machine pays out gamemedia according to a winning combination determined by a lottery eachtime a game is played. Meanwhile, when the number of games reaches a setvalue, the gaming machine issues a recorded storage medium. Therefore,the player can clearly recognize that the obtained profit is based onthe number of games. Further, even when a large number of game mediahave been spent, the recorded storage medium is issued if the game isplayed until the number of games reaches the set value, so that a playercan certainly receive a return as a result of playing the game until thenumber of games reaches the set value.

Further, since the flow of a game is not disturbed, a player who hasspent a large number of game media can be prevented from feelingunpleasant against a game, building up a distrust thereto, or losinginterest in or a concern on the game without disturbing the course ofthe game.

The present invention provides the following configuration:

(14) The gaming machine according to any of the configurations (8) to(13), wherein the processing device executes a processing issuing, whenthe number of games reaches a set value that is an object of comparisonwith the number of games, a recorded storage medium on which giftinformation corresponding to a predetermined number of game media isrecorded.

According to the configuration (14), the gaming machine issues arecorded storage medium on which gift information corresponding to apredetermined number of game media is recorded. As a result, a playerwho has spent a large number of game media can be further prevented fromfeeling unpleasant against the game, building up distrust thereto, orlosing interest in or a concern on the game.

The present-invention provides the following configuration:

(15) A gaming machine comprising means for issuing, when a paymentbalance in terms of game media accumulatively counted each time a gameis played falls to or below a set value that is an object of comparisonwith the payment balance in terms of game media, a recorded storagemedium on which predetermined gift information is recorded.

According to the configuration (15), when a payment balance in terms ofgame media falls to or below a set value that is an object of comparisonwith the payment balance in terms of game media, the gaming machineissues a recorded storage medium on which predetermined gift informationis recorded. Hence, even when a large number of game media have beenspent, the recorded storage medium is issued if the game is played untilthe payment balance in terms of game media falls to or below the setvalue. Thus, a player can certainly receive a return as a result ofplaying the game until the payment balance in terms of game media fallsto or below the set value. As a result, a player who has spent a largenumber of game media can be prevented from feeling unpleasant againstthe game, building up distrust thereto, or losing interest in or aconcern on the game.

The present invention provides the following configuration:

(16) A gaming machine connected through a communication line to acontrol device which accumulatively counts a payment balance in terms ofgame media for every gaming machine of plural gaming machines,comprising:

means for transmitting, each time a game is played, the payment balancein the game in terms of game media and an identification information ofthe gaming machine to the control device through the communication line;

means for receiving a command signal transmitted from the control devicewhen the payment balance in terms of game media accumulatively countedby the control device, based on the identification information of thegaming machine and the payment balance in the game in terms of gamemedia, reaches a set value that is an object of comparison with thepayment balance in terms of game media; and

means for issuing, based on the command signal, a recorded storagemedium on which predetermined gift information is recorded.

According to the configuration (16), when a payment balance in terms ofgame media counted by the control device falls to or below a set value,the gaming machine issues a recorded storage medium. Hence, even when alarge number of game media have been spent, the recorded storage mediumis issued if the game is played until the payment balance in terms ofgame media falls to or below the set value. Thus, a player can certainlyreceive a return as a result of playing the game until the paymentbalance in terms of game media falls to or below the set value. As aresult, a player who has spent a large number of game media can beprevented from feeling unpleasant against the game, building up distrustthereto, or losing interest in or a concern on the game.

The present invention provides the following configuration:

(17) A gaming machine comprising:

means for accumulatively counting a payment balance in terms of gamemedia each time a game is played;

means for storing predetermined gift information;

means for determining whether or not the payment balance in terms ofgame media has fallen to or below a set value set as an object ofcomparison with the payment balance in terms of game media; and

means for issuing, when the payment balance in terms of game media isdetermined to have fallen to or below the set value, a recorded storagemedium on which predetermined gift information is recorded.

According to the configuration (17), when a payment balance in terms ofgame media falls to or below a set value, the gaming machine issues arecorded storage medium. Hence, even when a large number of game mediahave been spent, the recorded storage medium is issued if the game isplayed until the payment balance in terms of game media falls to orbelow the set value. Thus, a player can certainly receive a return as aresult of playing the game until the payment balance in terms of gamemedia falls to or below the set value. As a result, a player who hasspent a large number of game media can be prevented from feelingunpleasant against the game, building up distrust thereto, or losinginterest in or a concern on the game.

The present invention provides the following configuration:

(18) A gaming machine comprising:

output means for outputting, by an operation of a player, a start signalindicating start of a game;

winning combination determination means for determining a winningcombination by a lottery according to reception of the start signal;

means for paying out game media according to the determined winningcombination; and

means for issuing, when a payment balance in terms of game media fallsto or below a set value that is an object of comparison with the paymentbalance in terms of game media, a recorded storage medium on whichpredetermined gift information is recorded.

According to the configuration (18), the gaming machine pays out gamemedia (for example, coins) according to a winning combination determinedby a lottery each time a game is played. Meanwhile, when the paymentbalance in terms of game media falls to or below a set value that is anobject of comparison with the payment balance in terms of game media,the gaming machine issues a recorded storage medium on whichpredetermined gift information is recorded. Therefore, the player canclearly recognize that the obtained profit is based on the paymentbalance in terms of game media. Further, even when a large number ofgame media have been spent, the recorded storage medium is issued if thegame is played until the payment balance in terms of game media falls toor below the set value, so that a player can certainly receive a returnas a result of playing the game until the payment balance in terms ofgame media falls to or below the set value.

Further, when the payment balance in terms of game media falls to orbelow the set value, the recorded storage medium is issued, but there isno influence on the game being played. That is, the flow of a game isnot disturbed by a special game or the like which is suddenly generatedduring a game being played. Therefore, a player who has spent a largenumber of game media can be prevented from feeling unpleasant against agame, building up a distrust thereto, or losing interest in or a concernon the game without disturbing the course of the game.

The present invention provides the following configuration:

(19) A gaming machine connected through a communication line to acontrol device which accumulatively counts a payment balance in terms ofgame media for every gaming machine of plural gaming machines,comprising:

output means for outputting, by an operation of a player, a start signalindicating start of a game;

winning combination determination means for determining a winningcombination by a lottery according to reception of the start signal;

means for paying out game media according to the determined winningcombination;

means for transmitting, each time a game is played, the payment balancein the game in terms of game media and an identification information ofthe gaming machine to the control device through the communication line;

means for receiving a command signal transmitted from the control devicewhen the payment balance in terms of game media accumulatively countedby the control device, based on the identification information of thegaming machine and the payment balance in the game in terms of gamemedia, reaches a set value that is an object of comparison with thepayment balance in terms of game media; and

means for issuing, based on the command signal, a recorded storagemedium on which predetermined gift information is recorded.

According to the configuration (19), the gaming machine pays out gamemedia according to a winning combination determined by a lottery eachtime a game is played. Meanwhile, when the payment balance in terms ofgame media counted by the control device falls to or below a set value,the gaming machine issues a recorded storage medium. Therefore, theplayer can clearly recognize that the obtained profit is based on thepayment balance in terms of game media. Further, even when a largenumber of game media have been spent, the recorded storage medium isissued if the game is played until the payment balance in terms of gamemedia falls to or below the set value, so that a player can certainlyreceive a return as a result of playing the game until the paymentbalance in terms of game media falls to or below the set value.

Further, since the flow of a game is not disturbed, a player who hasspent a large number of game media can be prevented from feelingunpleasant against a game, building up a distrust thereto, or losinginterest in or a concern on the game without disturbing the course ofthe game.

The present invention provides the following configuration:

(20) A gaming machine comprising:

output means for outputting, by an operation of a player, a start signalindicating start of a game;

winning combination determination means for determining a winningcombination by a lottery according to reception of the start signal;

means for paying out game media according to the determined winningcombination;

means for accumulatively counting a payment balance in terms of gamemedia each time a game is played;

means for storing predetermined gift information;

means for determining whether or not the payment balance in terms ofgame media has fallen to or below a set value set as an object ofcomparison with the payment balance in terms of game media; and

means for issuing, when the payment balance in terms of game media isdetermined to have fallen to or below the set value, a recorded storagemedium on which predetermined gift information is recorded.

According to the configuration (20), the gaming machine pays out gamemedia according to a winning combination determined by a lottery eachtime a game is played. Meanwhile, when the payment balance in terms ofgame media falls to or below a set value, the gaming machine issues arecorded storage medium. Therefore, the player can clearly recognizethat the obtained profit is based on the payment balance in terms ofgame media. Further, even when a large number of game media have beenspent, the recorded storage medium is issued if the game is played untilthe payment balance in terms of game media falls to or below the setvalue, so that a player can certainly receive a return as a result ofplaying the game until the payment balance in terms of game media fallsto or below the set value.

Further, since the flow of a game is not disturbed, a player who hasspent a large number of game media can be prevented from feelingunpleasant against a game, building up a distrust thereto, or losinginterest in or a concern on the game without disturbing the course ofthe game.

The present invention provides the following configuration:

(21) The gaming machine according to any of the configurations (15) to(20), wherein the means for issuing the recorded storage medium issues,when the payment balance in terms of game media falls to or below theset value that is an object of comparison with the payment balance interms of game media, a recorded storage medium on which gift informationcorresponding to a predetermined number of game media is recorded.

According to the configuration (21), the gaming machine issues arecorded storage medium on which gift information corresponding to apredetermined number of game media is recorded. As a result, a playerwho has spent a large number of game media can be prevented from feelingunpleasant against a game, building up a distrust thereto, or losinginterest in or a concern on the game.

The present invention provides the following configuration:

(22) A gaming machine equipped with a processing device

wherein

the processing device executes:

a processing issuing, when a payment balance in terms of game mediafalls to or below a set value that is an object of comparison with thepayment balance in terms of game media, a recorded storage medium onwhich predetermined gift information is recorded.

According to the configuration (22), when a payment balance in terms ofgame media falls to or below a set value, the gaming machine issues arecorded storage medium. Hence, even when a large number of game mediahave been spent, the recorded storage medium is issued if the game isplayed until the payment balance in terms of game media falls to orbelow the set value. Thus, a player can certainly receive a return as aresult of playing the game until the payment balance in terms of gamemedia falls to or below the set value. As a result, a player who hasspent a large number of game media can be prevented from feelingunpleasant against the game, building up distrust thereto, or losinginterest in or a concern on the game.

The present invention provides the following configuration:

(23) A gaming machine

equipped with a processing device and a storage device, and

connected through a communication line to a control device whichaccumulatively counts a payment balance in terms of game media for everygaming machine of plural gaming machines,

wherein

the processing device executes:

a processing transmitting the numbers, being stored in the storagedevice, of game media inserted and paid out in the game and anidentification information of the gaming machine to the control devicethrough the communication line each time a game is played;

a processing receiving a command signal transmitted from the controldevice when the payment balance in terms of game media accumulativelycounted by the control device, based on the identification informationof the gaming machine and the numbers of game media inserted and paidout in the game, falls to or below a set value that is an object ofcomparison with the payment balance in terms of game media; and

a processing issuing, based on the command signal, a recorded storagemedium on which predetermined gift information is recorded.

According to the configuration (23), when a payment balance in terms ofgame media counted by the control device falls to or below a set value,the gaming machine issues a recorded storage medium. Hence, even when alarge number of game media have been spent, the recorded storage mediumis issued if the game is played until the payment balance in terms ofgame media falls to or below the set value. Thus, a player can certainlyreceive a return as a result of playing the game until the paymentbalance in terms of game media falls to or below the set value. As aresult, a player who has spent a large number of game media can beprevented from feeling unpleasant against the game, building up distrustthereto, or losing interest in or a concern on the game.

The present invention provides the following configuration:

(24) A gaming machine equipped with a processing device and a storagedevice,

wherein

the processing device executes:

a processing accumulatively counting a payment balance in terms of gamemedia each time a game is played;

a processing determining whether or not the payment balance in terms ofgame media has fallen to or below a set value set as an object ofcomparison with the payment balance in terms of game media; and

a processing, when the payment balance in terms of game media isdetermined to have fallen to or below the set value, readingpredetermined gift information stored in the storage device, recordingthe predetermined gift information on a storage medium and issuing theresultant recorded storage medium.

According to the configuration (24), when a payment balance in terms ofgame media falls to or below a set value, the gaming machine issues arecorded storage medium. Hence, even when a large number of game mediahave been spent, the recorded storage medium is issued if the game isplayed until the payment balance in terms of game media falls to orbelow the set value. Thus, a player can certainly receive a return as aresult of playing the game until the payment balance in terms of gamemedia falls to or below the set value. As a result, a player who hasspent a large number of game media can be prevented from feelingunpleasant against the game, building up distrust thereto, or losinginterest in or a concern on the game.

The present invention provides the following configuration:

(25) A gaming machine equipped with a processing device, a storagedevice and an output device for outputting, by an operation of a player,a start signal indicating start of a game,

wherein

the processing device executes:

a processing determining one winning combination selected from pluralwinning combinations determined in advance by executing a lotteryprogram stored in the storage device according to reception of the startsignal which is output from the output device and indicates start of agame;

a processing paying out game media according to the determined winningcombination; and

a processing issuing, when a payment balance in terms of game mediafalls to or below a set value that is an object of comparison with thepayment balance in terms of game media, a recorded storage medium onwhich predetermined gift information is recorded.

According to the configuration (25), the gaming. machine pays out gamemedia according to a winning combination determined by a lottery eachtime a game is played. Meanwhile, when the payment balance in terms ofgame media falls to or below a set value, the gaming machine issues arecorded storage medium. Therefore, the player can clearly recognizethat the obtained profit is based on the payment balance in terms ofgame media. Further, even when a large number of game media have beenspent, the recorded storage medium is issued if the game is played untilthe payment balance in terms of game media falls to or below the setvalue, so that a player can certainly receive a return as a result ofplaying the game until the payment balance in terms of game media fallsto or below the set value.

Further, since the flow of a game is not disturbed, a player who hasspent a large number of game media can be prevented from feelingunpleasant against a game, building up a distrust thereto, or losinginterest in or a concern on the game without disturbing the course ofthe game.

The present invention provides the following configuration:

(26) A gaming machine

equipped with a processing device, a storage device and an output devicefor outputting, by an operation of a player, a start signal indicatingstart of a game, and

connected through a communication line to a control device whichaccumulatively counts a payment balance in terms of game media for everygaming machine of plural gaming machines,

wherein

the processing device executes:

a processing determining one winning combination selected from pluralwinning combinations determined in advance by executing a lotteryprogram stored in the storage device according to reception of the startsignal which is output from the output device and indicates start of agame;

a processing paying out game media according to the determined winningcombination;

a processing transmitting the numbers, being stored in the storagedevice, of game media inserted and paid out in the game and anidentification information of the gaming machine to the control devicethrough the communication line each time a game is played;

a processing receiving a command signal transmitted from the controldevice when the payment balance in terms of game media accumulativelycounted by the control device, based on the identification informationof the gaming machine and the numbers of game media inserted and paidout in the game, falls to or below a set value that is an object ofcomparison with the payment balance in terms of game media; and

a processing issuing, based on the command signal, a recorded storagemedium on which predetermined gift information is recorded.

According to the configuration (26), the gaming machine pays out gamemedia according to a winning combination determined by a lottery eachtime a game is played. Meanwhile, when the payment balance in terms ofgame media counted by the control device falls to or below a set value,the gaming machine issues a recorded storage medium. Therefore, theplayer can clearly recognize that the obtained profit is based on thepayment balance in terms of game media. Further, even when a largenumber of game media have been spent, the recorded storage medium isissued if the game is played until the payment balance in terms of gamemedia falls to or below the set value, so that a player can certainlyreceive a return as a result of playing the game until the paymentbalance in terms of game media falls to or below the set value.

Further, since the flow of a game is not disturbed, a player who hasspent a large number of game media can be prevented from feelingunpleasant against a game, building up a distrust thereto, or losinginterest in or a concern on the game without disturbing the course ofthe game.

The present invention provides the following configuration:

(27) A gaming machine equipped with a processing device, a storagedevice and an output device for outputting, by an operation of a player,a start signal indicating start of a game,

wherein

the processing device executes:

a processing determining one winning combination selected from pluralwinning combinations determined in advance by executing a lotteryprogram stored in the storage device according to reception of the startsignal which is output from the output device and indicates start of agame;

a processing paying out game media according to the determined winningcombination;

a processing accumulatively counting a payment balance in terms of gamemedia each time a game is played;

a processing determining whether or not the payment balance in terms ofgame media has fallen to or below a set value set as an object ofcomparison with the payment balance in terms of game media; and

a processing, when the payment balance in terms of game media isdetermined to have fallen to or below the set value, readingpredetermined gift information stored in the storage device, recordingthe predetermined gift information on a storage medium and issuing theresultant recorded storage medium.

According to the configuration (27), the gaming machine pays out gamemedia according to a winning combination determined by a lottery eachtime a game is played. Meanwhile, when the payment balance in terms ofgame media falls to or below a set value, the gaming machine issues arecorded storage medium. Therefore, the player can clearly recognizethat the obtained profit is based on the payment balance in terms ofgame media. Further, even when a large number of game media have beenspent, the recorded storage medium is issued if the game is played untilthe payment balance in terms of game media falls to or below the setvalue, so that a player can certainly receive a return as a result ofplaying the game until the payment balance in terms of game media fallsto or below the set value.

Further, since the flow of a game is not disturbed, a player who hasspent a large number of game media can be prevented from feelingunpleasant against a game, building up a distrust thereto, or losinginterest in or a concern on the game without disturbing the course ofthe game.

The present invention provides the following configuration:

(28) The gaming machine according to any of the configurations (22) to(27), wherein the processing device executes a processing issuing, whenthe payment balance in terms of game media falls to or below the setvalue that is an object of comparison with the payment balance in termsof game media, a recorded storage medium on which gift informationcorresponding to a predetermined number of game media is recorded.

According to the configuration (28), the gaming machine issues arecorded storage medium on which gift information corresponding to apredetermined number of game media is recorded. As a result, a playerwho has spent a large number of game media can be prevented from feelingunpleasant against a game, building up a distrust thereto, or losinginterest in or a concern on the game.

The present invention provides the following configuration:

(29) A gaming machine comprising:

means for paying out game media according to a winning combinationdetermined by a predetermined lottery each time a game starts; and

means for issuing, when the number of games played by a player reaches apredetermined number of games, a recorded storage medium on whichpredetermined gift information is recorded.

According to the configuration (29), when the number of games played bya player reaches a predetermined number of games, the gaming machineissues a recorded storage medium on which predetermined gift informationis recorded. Thus, a player who has spent a large number of game mediacan certainly receive a return as a result of playing the game for along period of time. As a result, a player who has spent a large numberof game media can be prevented from feeling unpleasant against the game,building up distrust thereto, or losing interest in or a concern on thegame.

The present invention provides the following configuration:

(30) A gaming machine comprising:

means for paying out game media according to a winning combinationdetermined by a predetermined lottery each time a game starts; and

means for issuing, when a payment balance of a player in terms of gamemedia reaches a predetermined payment balance, a recorded storage mediumon which predetermined gift information is recorded.

According to the configuration (30), when a payment balance of a playerin terms of game media reaches a predetermined payment balance, thegaming machine issues a recorded storage medium on which predeterminedgift information is recorded. Thus, a player who has spent a largenumber of game media can certainly receive a return as a result ofplaying the game for a long period of time. As a result, a player whohas spent a large number of game media can be prevented from feelingunpleasant against the game, building up distrust thereto, or losinginterest in or a concern on the game.

The present invention provides the following configuration:

(31) A game control method comprising:

a step of paying out game media according to a winning combinationdetermined by a predetermined lottery each time a game starts; and

a step of issuing, when the number of games played by a player reaches apredetermined number of games, a recorded storage medium on whichpredetermined gift information is recorded.

According to the configuration (31), when the number of games played bya player reaches a predetermined number of games, the gaming machineissues a recorded storage medium on which predetermined gift informationis recorded. Thus, a player who has spent a large number of game mediacan certainly receive a return as a result of playing the game for along period of time. As a result, a player who has spent a large numberof game media can be prevented from feeling unpleasant against the game,building up distrust thereto, or losing interest in or a concern on thegame.

The present invention provides the following configuration:

(32) A game control method comprising:

a step of paying out game media according to a winning combinationdetermined by a predetermined lottery each time a game starts; and

a step of issuing, when a payment balance of a player in terms of gamemedia reaches a predetermined payment balance, a recorded storage mediumon which predetermined gift information is recorded.

According to the configuration (32), when a payment balance of a playerin terms of game media reaches a predetermined payment balance, thegaming machine issues a recorded storage medium on which predeterminedgift information is recorded. Thus, a player who has spent a largenumber of game media can certainly receive a return as a result ofplaying the game for a long period of time. As a result, a player whohas spent a large number of game media can be prevented from feelingunpleasant against the game, building up distrust thereto, or losinginterest in or a concern on the game.

The present invention provides the following configuration:

(33) A game system equipped with a gaming machine and a control device,

wherein

the control device includes

means for transmitting a signal to the gaming machine when the number ofgames played in the gaming machine by a player reaches a predeterminednumber of games, and

the gaming machine includes:

means for paying out game media according to a winning combinationdetermined by a predetermined lottery each time a game starts; and

means for issuing, according to the signal received from the controldevice, a recorded storage medium on which predetermined giftinformation is recorded.

According to the configuration (33), when the number of games played bya player reaches a predetermined number of games, the gaming machineissues a recorded storage medium on which predetermined gift informationis recorded. Thus, a player who has spent a large number of game mediacan certainly receive a return as a result of playing the game for along period of time. As a result, a player who has spent a large numberof game media can be prevented from feeling unpleasant against the game,building up distrust thereto, or losing interest in or a concern on thegame.

The present invention provides the following configuration:

(34) A game system equipped with a gaming machine and a control device,

wherein

the control device includes

means for transmitting a signal to the gaming machine when a paymentbalance of a player in terms of game media reaches a predeterminedpayment balance, and

the gaming machine includes:

means for paying out game media according to a winning combinationdetermined by a predetermined lottery each time a game starts; and

means for issuing, according to the signal received from the controldevice, a recorded storage medium on which predetermined giftinformation is recorded.

According to the configuration (34), when a payment balance of a playerin terms of game media reaches a predetermined payment balance, thegaming machine issues a recorded storage medium on which predeterminedgift information is recorded. Thus, a player who has spent a largenumber of game media can certainly receive a return as a result ofplaying the game for a long period of time. As a result, a player whohas spent a large number of game media can be prevented from feelingunpleasant against the game, building up distrust thereto, or losinginterest in or a concern on the game.

As a result, according to the present invention, it can be prevented fora player who has spent many of the game media from feeling unpleasantagainst the game, building up distrust thereto, or losing interest in ora concern on the game without disturbing the course of the game.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the entire construction of a gamesystem according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing a gaming machineaccording to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing the symbol sequence depicted on theouter circumferential surface of each reel;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the internal construction of thegaming machine shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the internal construction of a controldevice according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a figure schematically showing an example of correspondencetable between a gaming machine identification number and a game history;

FIG. 7 is a figure schematically showing an example of correspondencetable between a set value and the gift information;

FIG. 8 is a figure schematically showing another example ofcorrespondence table between a set value and the gift information;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a procedure in an authentication readingprocessing for a game program and a game system program executed by amother board and a gaming board shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a game mode selectionprocessing;

FIGS. 11A and 11B are figures showing an image displayed on the lowerimage display panel when a game mode selection processing is executed;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a game executionprocessing;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a lottery processing;

FIG. 14 is a figure describing a relationship among winning combinationsof plural kinds, establishment possibility of each winning combinationand the number of coin-out in the present embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a reel rotating controlprocessing;

FIGS. 16A to 16D are side views for describing a rotating operation ofthe reel;

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing a correspondence table betweenthe number of steps and the code No.;

FIG. 18 is flowchart showing a subroutine of a bonus game processing;

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a return mode processing;

FIG. 20 is a figure showing an example of image displayed on the lowerimage display panel when a game state shifts to the return mode (when aticket is issued);

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a counting processing;

FIG. 22 is a figure schematically showing another example ofcorrespondence table between a gaming machine identification number anda game history;

FIG. 23 is a figure schematically showing another example ofcorrespondence table between a set value and the gift information;

FIG. 24 is a figure schematically showing another example ofcorrespondence table between a set value and the gift information;

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing another example of a subroutine of acounting processing; and

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing another example of a subroutine of a gameexecution processing.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the entire construction of a gamesystem according to one embodiment of the present invention.

A game system 100 includes: plural gaming machines 10; and a controldevice 200 connected to the gaming machines 10 through a predeterminedcommunication line 101. Such a game system 100 may be constructed in onerecreation facility capable of playing various kinds of games such as abar, a casino and the like, or between plural recreation facilities.When the game system is constructed in one recreation facility, the gamesystem 100 may be constructed on each floor or section of the recreationfacility. The communication line 101 is not particularly limited, andmay be wired or wireless, and either a dedicated line or a switched linecan be used.

In the embodiment, the gaming machine 10 is a slot machine. In thepresent invention, however, a gaming machine is not limited to a slotmachine, and for example, a so-called single gaming machine such as avideo slot machine, a video card gaming machine and the like may beadopted, and a so-called mass game (multi-terminal gaming machine) suchas a racing game, a bingo game, a public lottery and the like, which isa game that takes a predetermined time for a result to be displayed, mayalso be adopted.

In the gaming machine 10, a coin, a note or an electronic valuableinformation corresponding thereto is used as a game media. In thepresent invention, however, the game media is not particularly limited,and for example, a medal, a token, an electronic money and a ticket canbe used. The ticket is not particularly limited and may include, forexample, a ticket with a bar code as described later, and of the liketickets.

The control device 200 controls plural gaming machines 10. Especially,in the present embodiment, the control device 200 controls a transitionto a return mode in each of the gaming machines 10. In the return mode,a ticket on which predetermined information is printed is issued. Thecontrol device 200 may be a device which controls the return rate bycontrolling the transition to the return mode. In such a construction,the control device 200 may be a device which controls the return ratesof each of the gaming machines 10 individually, or a device whichcontrols the return rate across all gaming machines 10 collectively.

The control device 200 may further function as a so-called hole serverwhich is installed in a recreation facility having plural gamingmachines 10, or as a server which collectively controls pluralrecreation facilities. Moreover, every gaming machine 10 has its ownidentification number, and the source of data transmitted to the controldevice 200 from each of the gaming machines 10 is distinguished thereinby their identification numbers. The identification number is also usedto designate a transmission destination of data transmitted to thegaming machine 10 from the control device 200.

The identification number of a gaming machine corresponds to theidentification information on a gaming machine of the present invention.The identification information on a gaming machine of the presentinvention is not particularly limited, and examples thereof may include:a letter, a symbol, a figure, a combination thereof, and the like.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing a gaming machineaccording to one embodiment of the present invention.

The gaming machine 10 includes: a cabinet 11; a top box 12 placed on theupper side of the cabinet 11; and a main door 13 provided at the frontface of the cabinet 11. Inside the cabinet 11, three reels 14 (14L, 14Cand 14R) are rotatably installed. Twenty-two designs (hereinafter, alsoreferred to as symbols) are depicted as symbol sequences on the outercircumferential surface of each of the reels 14.

A lower image display panel 16 is provided over the reels 14 in the maindoor 13. The lower image display panel 16 is provided with a transparentliquid crystal panel, and various kinds of information, representationimage and the like associated with the game are displayed while the gameis played. A number-of-credits display section 31 and anumber-of-payouts display section 32 are formed on the lower imagedisplay panel 16. The number of credited coins is displayed as an imageon the number-of-credits display section 31. The number of coins to bepaid out is shown as an image on the number-of-payouts display section32, when a combination of symbols stop displayed on a winning line L isa predetermined combination.

Three display windows 15 (15L, 15C and 15R), the back faces of which arevisually recognizable, are formed on the lower image display panel 16,and through each of the display windows 15, three of the symbolsdepicted on the outer circumferential surface of each of the reels 14are displayed. One winning line L traversing horizontally the threedisplay windows 15 is formed on the lower image display panel 16. Thewinning line L defines a combination of symbols. When a combination ofsymbols stop displayed on the winning line L is a predeterminedcombination, the number of coins corresponding to the combination andthe number of inserted coins (the number of BETs) is paid out.

Moreover, in the present invention, for example, when: plural winninglines L which traverse horizontally or obliquely the three displaywindows 15 are formed; the winning lines L, the number thereof whichbecomes effective set to be dependent on the number of coin-in, becomeeffective; and a combination of symbols stop displayed on the winningline L which became effective is a predetermined combination, the numberof coins corresponding to the stop-displayed combination may be paidout.

A touch panel 69, which is not shown in the figure, is provided on thefront face of the lower image display panel 16 and the player can inputvarious kinds of commands by operating the touch panel 69.

Provided below the lower image display panel 16 are: a control panel 20constituting of plural buttons 23 to 27 which are input by the player,commands associated with progress of the game; a coin receiving slot 21accepting coins into the cabinet 11; and a note identifier 22.

The control panel 20 is provided with: a spin button 23; a change button24; a CASHOUT button 25; a 1-BET button 26; and a maximum BET button 27.The spin button 23 is used for inputting a command to start the rotatingof the reels 14. The change button 24 is used in a case where a playerrequests an attendant of a recreation facility to exchange money. TheCASHOUT button 25 is used for inputting a command to pay out creditedcoins to a coin tray 18.

The 1-BET button 26 is used for inputting a command to bet one coin ofthe credited coins. The maximum BET button 27 is used for inputting acommand to bet the maximum number of coins that can be bet on one game(50 coins in the present embodiment) of the credited coins.

In the present invention, insertion of a game media means that a gamemedia is bet on a game. For example, when coins inserted into the coinreceiving slot 21 are directly bet on a game, insertion of coins intothe coin receiving slot 21 corresponds to insertion of a game media.However, when coins inserted into the coin receiving slot 21 aretemporarily credited, and the credited coins are bet on a game byoperating the 1-BET button 26 or the maximum BET button 27, as in thepresent embodiment, the bet of the credited coins on the gamecorresponds to insertion of a game media.

The note identifier 22 is used not only for discriminating a false notefrom a true note but also for accepting the true note into the cabinet11. The note identifier 22 may be configured such that a ticket 39 witha bar code which will be described later can be read. A belly glass 34on which characters and the like of the gaming machine 10 are depictedis provided on the front face of the lower portion of the main door 13,that is, below the control panel 20.

An upper image display panel 33 is provided at the front face of a topbox 12. The upper image display panel 33 is provided with a liquidcrystal panel and, for example, an image to introduce the contents ofthe game or explain a game rule is displayed thereto.

A speaker 29 is provided in the top box 12. The speaker 29 is a soundoutput device. A ticket printer 35, a card reader 36, a data display 37and a key pad 38 are provided beneath the upper image display panel 33.The ticket printer 35 prints on a ticket a bar code in which data suchas the number of credits, date, time, identification number of thegaming machine 10 and of the like data are encoded, and outputs theticket 39 with a bar code. A player can make the ticket 39 with a barcode to be read by a second gaming machine and play a game in the secondgaming machine, or exchange in a predetermined place (for example, at acashier in the casino) of a recreation facility the ticket 39 with a barcode to notes.

The card reader 36 is used for reading data from a smart card andwriting data onto a smart card. The smart card is a card to be carriedby a player, and for example, data to identify a player and dataconcerning a history of a game played by a player are stored thereon.Data corresponding to a coin, a note or a credit may also be stored onthe smart card. As an alternative of a smart card, a magnetic stripecard may be adopted. The data display 37 is a fluorescent display andthe like, and it is used, for example, to display data read by the cardreader 36 and data input by a player from the key pad 38. The key pad 38is used for inputting a command or data to issue a ticket and the like.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing the symbol sequence depicted on theouter circumferential surface of each reel.

Twenty-two symbols each are depicted on the outer circumferentialsurface of the left reel 14L, the middle reel 14 C and the right reel 14R. A sequence of the symbols depicted on the outer circumferentialsurface of each of the reels 14 is different from one another. Thesequences of the symbols are combinations of the following symbols:“JACKPOT 7”, “BLUE 7”, “BELL”, “CHERRY”, “STRAWBERRY”, “PLUM”, “ORANGE”and “APPLE”.

When the same three symbols of one of the symbols of “JACKPOT 7”, “BLUE7”, “BELL”, “CHERRY”, “STRAWBERRY”, “PLUM” and“ORANGE” are stopdisplayed on the winning line L, a predetermined number of credits isadded to the account of the player as a credit owned by the player (seeFIG. 14). As for “CHERRY” and “ORANGE”, even if one or two of one of thesymbols are stop displayed, a predetermined number of credits are addedto the account of the player as credits owned by the player according tothe number of the symbols stop displayed (see FIG. 14).

The symbol sequence “APPLE” is a bonus game trigger (a symbol to transitto a bonus game). When three of the “APPLE” are stop displayed on thewinning line L, a game state shifts to a bonus game. In the presentembodiment, a bonus game is a free game (a game in which a predeterminednumber thereof can be played without inserting coins for BET).

The sequence of symbols depicted on each of the reels 14 are, when thespin button 23 is pressed after the 1-BET button or the maximum BETbutton 27 is pressed to start a game, scroll displayed by scrollingdownwards in the display windows 15 during the rotating of the reels 14,and after a predetermined time elapses, the rotating of the reels 14comes to a stop, and thus the sequence of symbols are stop displayed inthe display windows 15. Various kinds of winning combinations (see FIG.14) are predetermined based on combinations of symbols and when acombination of symbols corresponding to a winning combination stops onthe winning line L, the number of payout coins corresponding to thewinning combination is added to credits owned by the player. When abonus game trigger has been established, a bonus game is generated.

When a return mode flag which will be described later has been set tothe state “ON”, a game state shifts to a return mode after the symbolsare stop displayed as described above. When a bonus game has beengenerated, the game state shifts to the return mode after the bonus gameis over. In the present embodiment, if a game state shifts to the returnmode, a ticket 39 with a bar code on which predetermined information isprinted is issued. In the present embodiment, the information which isprinted on the ticket 39 with a bar code is set according to a set valuedescribed later.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the internal construction of thegaming machine shown in FIG. 2.

A gaming board 50 includes: CPU (Central Processing Unit) 51, ROM 55 andboot ROM 52 which are interconnected to one another by an internal bus;a card slot 53S which accepts a memory card 53; an IC socket 54S whichaccepts GAL (Generic Array Logic) 54.

The memory card 53 is constituted of non-volatile memories such asCompactFlash (registered trademark) and stores a game program and a gamesystem program. The game program contains a lottery program. The lotteryprogram is a program for determining symbols (code Nos. corresponding tothe symbols) on each of the reels 14 which are to be stop displayed onthe winning line L. The lottery program contains one or more of symbolweighting determination data, each corresponding to respective pluralkinds of payout rates (for example, 80%, 84% and 88%). The symbolweighting determination data is data showing a correspondencerelationship between a code No. (see FIG. 3) of each symbol and one orplural random number values from a predetermined numerical value range(0 to 255), for each of the three reels 14. A payout rate is determinedbased on data for setting a payout rate output from the GAL 54, and thelottery is executed based on symbol weighting determination datacorresponding to the payout rate.

The card slot 53S is configured so that the memory card 53 can beinserted therein or drawn out therefrom, and connected to a mother board40 through IDE bus. Therefore, a kind or contents of a game played inthe gaming machine 10 can be changed by drawing out the memory card 53from the card slot 53S, writing a different game program and game systemprogram thereon, and inserting the memory card 53 into the card slot 53Sthereafter. Moreover, a kind or contents of a game played in the gamingmachine 10 can also be changed by changing a memory card 53 on which agame program and a game system program are stored to a different memorycard 53 on which a different game program and game system program arestored.

The game program includes a program related to progress in a game and aprogram for generating a bonus game. The game program further includes:image data and sound data output while a game is played, and image dataand sound data used as notification data.

GAL 54 is one kind of PLD having an OR fixed array structure. GAL 54 isequipped with a plurality of an input port and an output port and when apredetermined data is input to the input port, data corresponding to theinput data is output from the output port. The data output from theoutput port is the above-mentioned data for setting a payout rate.

The IC socket 54S is configured such that GAL 54 can be mounted theretoor demounted therefrom, and connected to the mother board 40 through PCIbus. Therefore, data for setting a payout rate output from GAL 54 can bechanged by drawing out GAL 54 from the IC socket 54S, rewriting aprogram stored on GAL 54, mounting GAL 54 is to the IC socket 54Sthereafter. Moreover, data for setting a payout rate can also be changedby changing GAL 54 to a different GAL 54.

CPU 51, ROM 55 and boot ROM 52 interconnected to each other by theinternal bus are connected to the mother board 40 by PCI bus. The PCIbus not only conducts signal transmission between the mother board 40and the gaming board 50, but also supplies electric power to the gamingboard 50 from the mother board 40. ROM 55 stores country identificationinformation and an authentication program therein. Boot ROM 52 stores apreliminary authentication program, a program for CPU 51 to activate thepreliminary authentication program (a boot code) and the like therein.

The authentication program is a program to authenticate a game programand a game system program (an alteration check program). Theauthentication program is stated along a procedure for confirmation andcertification that the game program and the game system program that areobjects of an authentication capture processing are not altered, thatis, a procedure for conducting authentication of the game program andthe game system program (an authentication procedure). The preliminaryauthentication program is a program for authenticating theabove-mentioned authentication program. The preliminary authenticationprogram is stated along a procedure for certification that anauthentication program that is an object of an authentication processingis not altered, that is, a procedure for authenticating theauthentication program (an authentication procedure).

The mother board 40 is constructed with a general-purpose mother boardcommercially available (a printed circuit board on which basic parts ofa personal computer are mounted) and includes: a main CPU 41; ROM (ReadOnly Memory) 42; RAM (Random Access Memory) 43 and a communicationinterface 44. The main CPU 41 is the processing device of the presentinvention.

ROM 42 is constituted of a memory device such as a flash memory andstores thereon a program such as BIOS (Basic Input/Output System)executed by the main CPU 41 and permanent data. When BIOS is executed bythe main CPU 41, not only is an initialization processing forpredetermined peripheral devices conducted, but a capture processing forthe game program and the game system program stored on the memory card53 is also started via the gaming board 50. In the present invention,contents of ROM 42 may be rewritable or not rewritable.

RAM 43 stores data and a program used at the time of operation of themain CPU 41. RAM 43 can store the authentication program read throughthe gaming board 50 together with the game program and the game systemprogram. RAM 43 is the storage device of the present invention.

RAM 43 is provided with a storage region for a return mode flag. Thereturn mode flag is a flag to be referred to when the gaming machinemakes a choice between shifting to a return mode and not shifting to areturn mode. The storage region of the return mode flag is constitutedof a storage region with, for example, a predetermined number of bitsand the return mode flag is turned “ON” or “OFF” according to storagecontents in the storage region. If the return mode flag is set to thestate “ON”, the game state thereafter shifts to the return mode withoutfail. RAM 43 further stores data on the number of credits, the number ofcoin-in or coin-out for one game, and the like.

The communication interface 44 is used to communicate with the controldevice 200 through the communication line 101. The main CPU 41 transmitsthe number of coin-in and the number of coin-out together with thegaming machine identification number of the gaming machine 10 to thecontrol device 200 each time a game is played. The number of games, anaccumulative number of coin-in and an accumulative number of coin-out ismade to be associated with each gaming machine identification number,and stored in the control device 200. In the control device 200, a setvalue that is an object of comparison with the number of games ispreliminary determined with respect to each gaming machineidentification number, and when the number of games of one gamingmachine 10 reaches a set value determined for that gaming machine 10, areturn command signal is transmitted from the control device 200. Whenthe main CPU 41 receives the return command signal through thecommunication interface 44, the return mode flag is set to the state“ON”.

Both a body PCB (Printed Circuit Board) 60 and a door PCB 80 which willbe described later are connected to the mother board 40 by USB. A powersupply unit 45 is also connected to the mother board 40. When electricpower is supplied from the power supply unit 45 to the mother board 40,not only is the main CPU 41 of the mother board 40 activated, but CPU 51is also activated from electric power supplied through the PCI bus tothe gaming board 50.

Equipment and devices which generate input signals to be input to themain CPU 41, and equipment and devices of which operations arecontrolled by a control signal output from the main CPU 41 are connectedto the body PCB 60 and the door PCB 80. The main CPU 41 executes a gameprogram and a game system program stored in RAM 43 based of an inputsignal input to the main CPU 41, and thereby performs a predeterminedcomputational processing, stores results of thereof into RAM 43 andtransmits a control signal to each equipment and device as a controlprocessing for each of the equipment and devices.

A lamp 30, a sub CPU 61, a hopper 66, a coin detecting section 67, agraphic board 68, a speaker 29 as an output device, a touch panel 69, anote identifier 22, a ticket printer 35, a card reader 36, a key switch38S and a data display 37 are connected to the body PCB 60. The lamp 30is lit up in a predetermined pattern based on a control signal outputfrom the main CPU 41.

The sub CPU 61 controls the rotation and stopping of the reels 14 (14L,14C and 14R). A motor driving circuit 62 equipped with FPGA (FieldProgrammable Gate array) 63 and a driver 64 is connected to the sub CPU61. FPGA 63 is an electronic circuit such as LSI capable of programmingand works as a control circuit of a stepping motor 70. The driver 64works as an amplifier circuit of a pulse to be input to the steppingmotor 70. The stepping motors 70 (70L, 70C and 70R) which rotate each ofthe reels 14, are connected to the motor driving circuit 62. Thestepping motor 70 is a 1-2 phase excitation type stepping motor.

In the present invention, an exciting type of the stepping motor is notparticularly limited, and for example, a motor of a 2 or 1 phaseexcitation type can be adopted. A DC motor may be adopted instead of astepping motor. When a DC motor is adopted, a deviation counter, a D/Aconverter and a servo amplifier are sequentially connected to the subCPU 61 in this order and the DC motor is connected to the servoamplifier. A rotational position of the DC motor is detected by a rotaryencoder and a current rotational position of the DC motor is supplied asdata from the rotary encoder to the deviation counter.

An index detecting circuit 65 and a position change detecting circuit 71are connected to the sub CPU 61. The index detecting circuit 65 is usedfor detecting positions (indexes described later) of the rotating reels14 and can also detect an out-of-order state of the reels 14. As for thecontrol of the rotating and stopping of the reels 14, detaileddescription will be given later by making reference to the figures.

The position change detecting circuit 71 detects a change of stoppagepositions of the reels 14 after the stopping of the rotating of thereels 14. The position change detecting circuit 71 detects the change ofstoppage positions of the reels 14, for example, in a case where thestoppage position is changed by force by a player as if the combinationof symbols was in a wining state, despite the fact that the combinationof symbols is not actually in a wining state, and of the like cases. Theposition change detecting circuit 71 is configured to be capable ofdetecting the change of stoppage position of the reel 14 by, forexample, detecting fins (not shown in the figure) attached with apredetermined space on the inner side of the reel 14.

The hopper 66 is installed in the cabinet 11 and pays out apredetermined number of coins from a coin payout exit 19 to a coin tray18 based on a control signal output from the main CPU 41. A coindetecting section 67 is installed inside the coin payout exit 19 andwhen detecting that a predetermined number of coins has been paid outfrom the coin payout exit 19, outputs an input signal to the main CPU41.

The graphic board 68 controls, based on a control signal output from themain CPU 41, image displays on the upper image display panel 33 and thelower image display panel 16 as an output device. The number of creditsstored in RAM 43 is displayed on the number-of-credits display section31 of the lower image display panel 16. The number of coin-out isdisplayed on the number-of-payouts display section 31 of the lower imagedisplay panel 16.

The graphic board 68 is equipped with VDP (Video Display Processor)which generates image data based on a control signal output from themain CPU 41 and a video RAM which temporarily stores image datagenerated by VDP, and of the like equipments. Note that image data usedin generating image data with VDP is read from the memory card 53 andcontained in a game program stored in RAM 43.

The note identifier 22 not only discriminates a true note from a falsenote, but also accepts the true note into the cabinet 11. The noteidentifier 22, when accepting a true note, outputs an input signal tothe main CPU 41 based on a face amount of the note. The main CPU 41stores the number of credits corresponding to the amount of the notetransmitted with the input signal.

The ticket printer 35, based on a control signal output from the mainCPU 41, prints on a ticket a bar code obtained by encoding data such asthe number of credits, date and time, the identification number of thegaming machine 10, and of the like data stored in RAM 43, and issues theticket 39 with a bar code. In particular, when the number of gamesreaches a set value that is an object of comparison with the number ofgames, gift information corresponding to a predetermined number of coins(for example, text information indicating that the ticket isexchangeable for a predetermined number of coins or a bar code whichwill be exchangeable for a predetermined number of coins when a bar codereader reads it) is printed and output as the ticket 39 with a bar code.

In the present embodiment, description will be given of the case wherepredetermined gift information in the present invention is informationcorresponding to a predetermined number of coins. However, in thepresent invention, the gift information is not limited to this example.For example, the gift information may correspond to an article such astobacco or juice, an entrance ticket to any of various events, ormonetary value information having the value as money. Any informationcan be used as long as it can be a return for the loss of the player.

A recorded storage medium in the present invention is not limited to theticket 39 with a bar code. The recorded storage medium in the presentinvention may be, for example, a ticket on which a bar code or the likeobtained by encoding information is not recorded. The recorded storagemedium in the present invention maybe, for example, a Smart card that isto be inserted to the card reader 36, and is not limited as long as giftinformation, aside from game media (coins) to be paid out as a result ofa game, which is a return for the loss of a player is recorded.

The card reader 36 transmits to the main CPU 41 data read from the smartcard and writes data onto the smart card based on a control signal fromthe main CPU 41. The key switch 38S is provided on the keypad 38, andwhen the key pad 38 is operated by a player, outputs a predeterminedinput signal to the main CPU 41. The data display 37 displays, based ona control signal output from the main CPU 41, data read by the cardreader 36 and data input by a player through the key pad 38.

The control panel 20, a reverter 21S, a coin counter 21C and a coldcathode tube 81 are connected to the door PCB 80. The control panel 20is provided with a spin switch 23S corresponding to the spin button 23,a change switch 24S corresponding to the change button 24, a CASHOUTswitch 25S corresponding to the CASHOUT button 25, a 1-BET switch 26Scorresponding to the 1-BET button 26, and a maximum BET switch 27Scorresponding to the maximum BET button 27. When the buttons 23 to 27are operated by a player, each of the switches 23S to 27S correspondingthereto outputs input signals to the main CPU 41. The spin switch 23S isan output device for outputting, by operation of the player, a startsignal indicating start of a game, and functions as output means foroutputting a start signal.

The coin counter 21C is installed inside the coin receiving slot 21, anddiscriminates whether a coin inserted by a player into the coinreceiving slot 21 is true or false. Coins other than the true ones aredischarged from the coin payout exit 19. The coin counter 21C alsooutputs an input signal to the main CPU 41 when a true coin is detected.

The reverter 21S operates based on a control signal output from the mainCPU 41 and distributes coins recognized by the coin counter 21C as truecoins into a cash box (not shown in the figure) or the hopper 66, whichare disposed in the gaming machine 10. In other words, when the hopper66 is filled with coins, true coins are distributed into the cash box.On the other hand, when the hopper 66 is not filled with coins, truecoins are distributed into the hopper 66. The cold cathode tube 81 worksas a backlight installed on the back face sides of the lower imagedisplay panel 16 and the upper image display panel 33 and is lit upbased on a control signal output from the main CPU 41.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the internal construction of a controldevice according to one embodiment of the present invention.

A control device 200 includes: CPU 201 as a processing device; ROM 202;RAM 203 as a temporary storage device; a communication interface 204;and a hard disc drive 205. The communication interface 204 is connectedto the communication interface 44 of the gaming machine 10 through thecommunication line 101. ROM 202 stores a system program for controllingoperations of the control device, a permanent data, and the like. RAM203 temporarily stores data received from each of the gaming machines 10and data such as results of the computational operation. Moreover, agame history of a gaming machine 10 is stored in the hard disc drive205, by being associated with the gaming machine identification numberof each of the gaming machines 10.

FIG. 6 is a figure schematically showing an example of correspondencetable between a gaming machine identification number and a game history.

Each of the gaming machine identification numbers correspond to a gamehistory based on the number of games, an accumulative number of coin-in,an accumulative number of coin-out, a payment balance in terms of thecoins and a return rate of coin-out.

A set value (600) that is an object of comparison with the number ofgames is associated with each of the gaming machine identificationnumbers. In the present invention, the value or the number of the setvalue is not particularly limited, and may be set according tocircumstances. Moreover, the set value does not need to be setindividually for each of the gaming machines 10, but may be assigned toplural gaming machines 10 collectively.

When CPU 201 receives the number of coin-in, the number of coin-out andthe gaming machine identification number from the gaming machine 10through the communication interface 204, a game history corresponding tothe gaming machine identification number is updated. More specifically,1 is added to the number of games, the number of coins inserted is addedto the accumulative number of coin-in and the number of coins paid outis added to the accumulative number of coin-out. Furthermore, a paymentbalance in terms of the coins and a return rate are calculated based onthe accumulative number of coin-in and the accumulative number ofcoin-out. When CPU 201 determines that the number of games updated hasreached a set value, a ticket on which gift information is printed isissued.

FIG. 7 is a figure schematically showing an example of correspondencetable between a set value and the gift information.

In the correspondence table, not actual data but the details of the giftinformation are shown in the column of the gift information.

The gift information “1000 coins” is assigned at a set value of “600”.The correspondence table shown in FIG. 7 is stored on the hard discdrive 205 as data. In the present invention, it is not necessary for thegift information set to correspond to a set value to be constantly thesame, and for example, the gift information set to correspond to a setvalue may be changeable according to a game history and the like.

FIG. 8 is a figure schematically showing another example ofcorrespondence table between a set value and the gift information.

At a set value “600”, “(−payment balance)×50% of coins (1000 coins if apayment balance≧0)” is set as gift information. Hence, if a paymentbalance is “−2000” when the number of games reaches 600, the giftinformation is “1000 coins”, and if a payment balance is “−4000”, thegift information is “2000 coins”.

Next, description will be given of a processing performed in the gamingmachine 10.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a procedure in an authentication readingprocessing for a game program and a game system program executed by amother board and a gaming board shown in FIG. 4. Note that the memorycard 53 is inserted into the card slot 53S on the gaming board 50 andGAL 54 is mounted to the IC socket 54S.

When a power supply switch is turned on in the power supply unit 45, themother board 40 and the gaming board 50 are activated (steps S1-1 andS2-1). When the mother board 40 and the gaming board 50 are activated,separate processing are performed at the same time. That is, in thegaming board 50, CPU 51 reads a preliminary authentication programstored in the boot ROM 52 and performs the preliminary authenticationwhich in advance, prior to capturing the authentication program into themother board 40, confirms or certificates that the program is notaltered according to the read preliminary authentication program (stepS2-2). On the other hand, in the mother board 40, the main CPU 41executes BIOS stored in ROM 42 to expand on RAM 43 compressed dataincorporated in BIOS (step S1-2). Then, the main CPU 41 executes BIOSexpanded on RAM 43 to perform diagnosis on and initialization of variouskinds of the peripheral devices (step S1-3).

Then, since ROM 55 on the gaming board 50 is connected to the main CPU41 through PCI bus, the main CPU 41 not only performs reading of theauthentication program stored in ROM 55, but also stores the readauthentication program into RAM 43 (step S1-4). On this occasion, themain CPU 41 takes a checksum according to ADDSUM method (a standardcheck function) with the help of the function of a standard BIOS ofBIOS, and by performing a confirmation processing for whether or notstorage is conducted without error, stores the authentication programinto RAM 43.

Then, after confirming what is connected to the IDE bus, the main CPU 41accesses the memory card 53 inserted into the card slot 53S through theIDE bus, and conducts reading of the game program and the game systemprogram from the memory card 53. In this case, the main CPU 41 reads 4bites at a time of data constituting the game program and the gamesystem program. Next, the main CPU 41 authenticates by confirming andcertifying according to the authentication program stored in RAM 43,that the read game program and game system program has not been altered(step S1-5). When the authentication processing is normally completed,the main CPU 41 writes and stores in RAM 43 the game program and thegame system program that have been an object of authentication (havebeen authenticated) (steps S1 to S6). Then, main CPU 41 accesses throughthe PCI bus to GAL 54 mounted to the IC socket 54S, reads data forsetting a payout rate from GAL 54 and writes and stores the data in RAM43 (step S1-7). Then, the main CPU 41 not only reads through the PCI buscountry identification information stored in ROM 55 on the gaming board50, but also stores the read country identification information into RAM43 (step S1-8).

After the processing is over, the main CPU 41 sequentially reads andexecutes the game program and the game system program to such that agame is progressed.

After the processing shown in FIG. 9 is over, the main CPU 41 performs agame mode selection processing.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a game mode selectionprocessing.

The main CPU 41 conducts a processing for adding credits stored in RAM43 as an interrupt processing when it receives a detection signal outputfrom the coin counter 21C in a case where the coin counter 21C detects acoin inserted into the coin receiving slot 21 while executing thesubroutine.

FIGS. 11A and 11B are figures showing an image displayed on the lowerimage display panel when a game mode selection processing is executed.

To begin with, the main CPU 41 conducts a processing to display on thelower image display panel 16 an image for requesting to the playerselection of a game mode (step S3). In this processing, the main CPU 41transmits a depiction command for the game mode selection image to thegraphic board 68. On the graphic board, VDP extracts image data from RAM43 and expands the data on the video RAM to produce image data for oneframe and to output the image data to the lower image display panel 16,based on the depiction command. As a result, for example, an image asshown in FIG. 11A is displayed on the lower side display panel 16.

FIG. 11A is a figure showing an example of game mode selection imagedisplayed on the lower image display panel. In the figure, numericalreference 15 (15L, 15C and 15R) indicates display windows. An imageshowing “Select a mode!!” is displayed in the upper portion of the lowerimage display panel 16. The image is an image for requesting a player toselect a game mode. Moreover, images showing “INSURANCE” and “NOINSURANCE” are displayed in the lower portion of the lower image displaypanel 16. The images are images showing game mode options and the playertouches a predetermined site of the touch panel 69 corresponding to adisplay region of the image, and is thereby enabled to input a commandfor selecting a game mode.

The option “INSURANCE” corresponds to the with-insurance mode. Apredetermined number of credits (for example, number of creditsequivalent to 1 dollar) is required for selecting the with-insurancemode. As an alternative of the number of credits, a note or a coinequivalent to the number of credits may be directly inserted. In a casewhere the with-insurance mode has been selected, when the number ofgames reaches a set value (600) without a bonus game being generated,the return mode flag is set to the state “ON” and a game state shifts tothe return mode. In the payout return mode, the player can receive anissuance of the ticket 39 with a bar code. In other words, in thewith-insurance mode, a game can be played in a state where an insuranceis carried for compensating all or part of a loss arising in a casewhere no bonus game has arisen for a long time. On the other hand, anoption “NO INSURANCE” corresponds to the without-insurance mode. In acase where the without-insurance mode has been selected, the return modeflag is not set to the state of “ON” and a game state does not shift tothe payout return mode even if no bonus game has arisen for a long timeafter the without-insurance mode is selected.

After the processing in step S3, the main CPU 41 determines whether thewith-insurance mode has been selected or not (step S4). In a case whereit is determined that the with-insurance mode has been selected, themain CPU conducts a processing for subtracting a predetermined number ofcredit from the number of credits stored in RAM 43 (step S5).Thereafter, the game execution processing in the with-insurance mode isconducted (step S6).

While detailed description of the above-mentioned processing will begiven later by making reference to FIG. 12, when played in thewith-insurance mode, an image showing “INSURED” is displayed in theupper left of the lower image display panel 16, as shown in FIG. 11B.The image is an image showing that a game mode is in the with-insurancemode.

On the other hand, in the case where, in step S4, it is determined thatthe without-insurance mode has been selected, the main CPU 41 conductsthe game execution processing in the without-insurance mode (step S7).Since this processing is a processing almost the same as the gameexecution processing in the with-insurance mode (see FIG. 12) exceptthat neither a processing related to transition to the return mode nor aprocessing related to counting of the number of games is conducted,description thereof is omitted here. When the processing in step S6 orS7 has been executed, the process is returned to step S3 thereafter.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a game executionprocessing in the with-insurance mode that is called and executed instep S6 of the subroutine shown in FIG. 10.

In the game execution processing, the main CPU 41 at first determineswhether or not a coin is BET (step S10). In the processing, the main CPU41 determines whether an input signal output from the 1-BET switch 26Sor the maximum BET switch 27S has been received or not when the 1-BETbutton 26 or the maximum BET button 27 is operated, respectively. If itis determined that a coin has not been BET, the process returns to stepS10.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S10 that a coin is BET,the main CPU 41 conducts a processing for subtracting the number ofcredits stored in RAM 43 according to the number of BET coins (stepS11). In a case where the number of BET coins is more than the number ofcredits stored in RAM 43, the process returns to step S10 withoutconducting subtraction on the number of credits stored in RAM 43. In acase where the number of BET coins exceeds the upper limit (50 coins inthe present embodiment) up to which a BET is possible in one game, theprocess advances to step S12 without conducting a processing forsubtracting the number of BET coins from the number of credits stored inRAM 43.

Then, the main CPU 41 determines whether the spin button 23 has beenturned ON or not (step S12). In the processing, the main CPU 41 ddetermines, when the spin button 23 is pressed, whether an input signaloutput from the spin switch 23S has been received or not.

If it is determined that the spin button 23 has not been turned ON, theprocess returns to step S10. Note that in a case where the spin buttonhas not been turned ON (for example, in a case where a command ofterminating a game has been input without turning ON the spin button),the main CPU 41 cancels a result of the subtracting processing in stepS11.

In the present embodiment, description will be given of a case in which:after a coin is BET (step S10), a processing for conducting subtractionon the number of credits (step S11) is conducted prior to thedetermination on whether the spin button has been turned ON or not (stepS12). However, the present invention is not limited to this example. Forexample, a processing for subtraction on the number of credits (stepS11) may be conducted after a coin is BET (step S10), determined whetherthe spin button 23 has been turned ON or not (step S12), and whendetermined that the spin button 23 has been turned ON (YES in step S12).

Meanwhile, in step S12 of FIG. 12, if it is determined that the spinbutton 23 has been turned ON therein, the main CPU 41 conducts a lotteryprocessing (step S13). In the lottery processing, the main CPU 41(processing device) executes a lottery program stored in RAM 43 (storagedevice) to thereby determine a code No. of the stopped reels 14. Thus, acombination of symbols stop displayed is determined. Detaileddescription of the processing will be given later by making reference toFIGS. 13 and 14. When the processing in step S13 is executed, the mainCPU 41 works as winning combination determination means for determininga winning combination by a lottery. In the present embodiment,description will be given of a case where a combination of symbols stopdisplayed is determined, and one winning combination of plural winningcombinations is determined thereafter. However, in the presentinvention, one winning combination selected from plural winningcombinations may at first be determined by a lottery, and thecombination of symbols to be stop displayed may be determinedthereafter, based on the determined winning combination.

Then, the main CPU 41 conducts a reel rotating control processing (stepS14). The processing is a processing which, after all of the reels 14starts to rotate, stops the rotating of each of the reels 14 such that acombination of symbol sequences corresponding to the winning combinationdetermined in step S13 is stop displayed on the winning line L. Detaileddescription of the processing will be given later by making reference toFIGS. 15 to 17.

Then, the main CPU 41 determines whether a bonus game trigger has beenestablished or not, that is whether “APPLE” is stop displayed in thedisplay window 15 or not (step S15) If it is determined that the bonusgame trigger has been established, the main CPU 41 (processing device)reads a program for conducting a bonus game from RAM 43 (storage device)to execute a bonus game processing (step S16). Detailed description ofthe bonus game processing will be given later by making reference toFIG. 18.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the bonus game trigger hasnot been established, the main CPU 41 determines whether a winningcombination has been established or not (step S17). If it is determinedthat a winning combination has been established, the main CPU 41conducts payout of a coin corresponding to the number of coin-in and thewinning combination (step S18). At the time of executing the processingin step S18, the main CPU 41 functions as means for paying out gamemedia (coins) according to the determined winning combination. In a casewhere coins are reserved, the main CPU 41 conducts a processing to addthe coins to the number of credits stored in RAM 43. On the other hand,in a case where payout of a coin is conducted, the main CPU 41 transmitsa control signal to the hopper 66 and conducts payout of a predeterminednumber of coins. In that situation, the coin detecting section 67 countsthe number of coins paid out from the hopper 66 and when the number ofcounts reaches a designated number, transmits a payout completion signalto the main CPU 41. Thus, the main CPU 41 stops the driving of thehopper 66 to terminate the coin payout processing.

When the processing in step S16 or S18 is executed, or when it isdetermined that no winning combination has been established (that awinning combination has failed to be established) in step S17, the mainCPU 41 determines whether the return mode flag stored in RAM 43 is setto the state “ON” (step S19) or not. If it is determined that the returnmode flag has been set to the state “ON”, the main CPU 41 (processingdevice) reads from RAM 43 (storage device) a program for shifting a gamestate to the return mode, executes the return mode processing, to thusshift a game state to the return mode (step S20). Detailed descriptionwill be given of the payout return mode processing later using FIG. 19.

If the processing in step S20 has been executed, or if it is determinedthat the return mode flag has not been set to the state “ON” in stepS19, the main CPU 41 determines whether the bonus game (step S16) hasbeen executed or not or whether a game state has shifted to the returnmode (step S20) or not (step S21).

If it is determined that a bonus game has not been executed, or that agame state has not shifted to the payout return mode, the main CPU 41executes a counting processing (step S22).

The counting processing is a processing conducted between the gamingmachine 10 and the control device 200. The number of coin-in and thenumber of coin-out for one game together with the gaming machineidentification number are transmitted to the control device 200. In thecontrol device 200, the number of games, an accumulative number ofcoin-in, an accumulative number of coin-out and the like are updatedwith respect to each gaming machine identification number. When thenumber of games reaches a set value, a return command signal showing theset value and the gift information is transmitted to the gaming machine10 from the control device 200. The main CPU 41, when receiving thereturn command signal, sets the return mode flag to the state “ON”.Detailed description of the counting processing will be given later bymaking reference to FIG. 21. After the processing in step S22 isexecuted, the main CPU 41 returns the process to the processing in stepS10 and subsequently executes a game in the with-insurance mode.

On the other hand, when it is determined that a bonus game has beenexecuted or a game state has shifted to the payout return mode, thepresent subroutine is completed and the process returns to theprocessing shown in FIG. 10. As a result, a player can once again selectwhether a game is to be played by the with-insurance mode or thewithout-insurance mode.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a lottery processingcalled and executed in step S13 of the subroutine shown in FIG. 12. Theprocessing is a processing conducted by executing a lottery programstored in RAM 43 with the main CPU 41.

The main CPU 41 executes a random number generating program included inthe lottery program, and a random number value from the numerical valuerange of 0 to 255 is selected thereby such that each of the selectedrandom number values correspond to each of the three reels 14 (stepS31). In the present embodiment, description will be given of a casewhere random numbers are generated on a program (a case where so-calledsoftware random numbers are used). In the present invention, however, arandom number generator may be used, and random numbers maybe extractedtherefrom (so-called hardware random numbers may be used).

After the random number values are selected, the main CPU 41 (processingdevice) refers to symbol weighting determination data corresponding topayout rate setting data which is output from GAL 54 and stored in RAM43, and determines, based on the selected three random number values,code Nos. (see FIG. 3) for each of the reels 14 (step S32). The codeNos. of the reels 14 correspond to code Nos. of the symbols stopdisplayed on the winning line L. The main CPU 41 determines code Nos. ofthe reels 14 to thereby determine a winning combination. For example, ina case where code Nos. of the reels 14 are determined “00”, “00” and“00”, it means that the main CPU 41 determined a winning combination as“JACKPOT 7”. Based on the code Nos. determined for each of the reels, areel rotating control processing which will be described later isconducted. On this occasion, the main CPU 41 functions as winningcombination determination means.

Here, description of a winning combination in the present embodimentwill be given.

FIG. 14 is a figure describing a relationship among winning combinationsof plural kinds, establishment possibility of each winning combinationand the number of coin-out in the present embodiment. The establishmentpossibilities of each of the winning combinations shown in FIG. 14 areof a case where a payout rate is set to 88% in a game other than a bonusgame. The establishment possibilities shown in the figure showpossibilities of the establishment of each of the shown winningcombinations in such a case that code Nos. of each of the reels 14 aredetermined based on the selected three random number values by referringto a symbol weighting determination data. In other words, the randomnumber values are not made to correspond to each of the winningcombinations.

An establishment possibility of a bonus game trigger is 0.5%. If aplayer hits the bonus game trigger, three “APPLE” symbols are stopdisplayed on the winning line L and a bonus game is generated. In thebonus game, executed is a free game of which the number of games isdetermined by a lottery.

An establishment possibility of “JACKPOT 7” is 0.5%. If the winningcombination has been established, three “JACKPOT 7” symbols are stopdisplayed on the winning line L, and 30 coins per one coin-in are paidout. The lower the establishment possibility of the winning combinationis, the higher the number of coin-out is set.

When a combination of symbols stop displayed is not hitting any of thewinning combinations shown in Fig. 14, this is a failure, and there isno coin-out.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a reel rotating control processing calledand executed in step S15 of the subroutine shown in FIG. 12. Thisprocessing is a processing conducted between the main CPU 41 and the subCPU 61.

The main CPU 41 transmits to the sub CPU 61 a start signal that startsthe rotating of reels (step S40). The sub CPU 61 conducts a reelrotating processing when it receives the start signal from the main CPU41 (step S51). In the processing, the sub CPU 61 supplies a pulse to themotor driving circuit 62. The pulse output from the sub CPU 61 isamplified by the driver 64 and supplied to each of the stepping motors70 (70L, 70C and 70R). As a result, the stepping motors 70 rotate,thereby making the reels 14 (14L, 14C and 14R) to rotate. A steppingmotor 70 is a 1-2 phase excitation type stepping motor which has a stepangle of 0.9 degree and requires the number of steps of 400 for onerotation. Hence, if 400 pulses are supplied to the stepping motor 70,the reels 14 rotate once.

When the reels 14 start to rotate, the sub CPU 61 supplies to the motordriving circuit 62 pulses at a lower frequency, and the pulse frequencyis gradually raised. A rotational speed of the reels 14 is therebyincreased. When a predetermined time elapses, the pulse frequency iscontrolled to be constant. As a result, the reels 14 rotate at aconstant speed.

Here, description of a rotational operation of the reels 14 will begiven, by using FIG. 16.

FIGS. 16A to 16D are side views for describing a rotating operation of areel 14.

As shown in FIG. 16A, a semicircular metal plate 14 a is attached to theside surface of a reel 14. The metal plate 14 a rotates together withthe reel 14. Twenty-two symbols (see FIG. 3) are depicted on thecircumferential surface of the reel 14. Three symbols of the twenty-twosymbols depicted on the circumferential surface of the reel 14 can bevisually recognizable through the display window 15 formed in front ofthe reel 14. The arrow mark of a heavy line in the figure indicates arotating direction of the reel 14. A proximity sensor 65 a is providedon the side of the reel 14. The proximity sensor 65 a is used to detectthe metal plate 14 a. The proximity sensor 65 a does not rotate nor moveeven if the reel 14 rotates.

FIG. 16A shows a position of the meal plate 14 a when the metal plate 14a starts being detected by the proximity sensor 65 a (hereinafter alsoreferred to as a position A). If the reel 14 rotates when the metalplate 14 a is at the position A, the metal plate 14 a moves to aposition shown in FIG. 16B. FIG. 16B shows a position of the metal plate14 a when the metal plate 14 a is being detected by the proximity sensor65 a (hereinafter also referred to as a position B). If the reel 14rotates when the metal plate 14 a is at the position B, the metal plate14 a moves to a position shown in FIG. 16C. FIG. 16C shows a position ofthe metal plate 14 a when the metal plate 14 a will no longer bedetected by the proximity sensor 65 a (hereinafter also referred to as aposition C).

If the reel 14 rotates when the metal plate 14 a is at the position C,the metal plate 14 a moves to a position shown in FIG. 16D. FIG. 16Dshows a position of the metal plate 14 a when the metal plate 14 a isnot detected by the proximity sensor 65 a (hereinafter also referred toas a position D). If the reel 14 further rotates, a position of themetal plate 14 a returns to the position A. As described above, togetherwith the rotating of the reel 14, the metal plate 14 a changes itsposition in the order from the position A, to the position B, to theposition C, to the position D, to the position A and so forth.

The proximity sensor 65 a constitutes an index detecting circuit 65 (seeFIG. 3). When it is referred to as “High” at a state where the proximitysensor 65 a detects the metal plate 14 a, and as “Low” at a state wherethe proximity sensor 65 a does not detect the metal plate 14 a, a stateof the index detecting circuit 65 is “High” during the period when themetal plate 14 a moves from the position A to the position B and to theposition C, and a state of the index detecting circuit 65 is “Low”during the period when the metal plate 14 a moves from the position C tothe position D and to the position A. The sub CPU 61 assigns a rise from“Low” to “High” as an index (origin) 1 and a fall from “High” to “Low”as an index (origin) 2 to thereby recognize the rotating position of thereel 14.

The main CPU 40, after transmitting in step 40 a start signal to the subCPU 61, executes representation to be executed while the reels arerotating (step S41). The process is a processing which conducts displayof an image on the lower image display panel 16 and output of a soundfrom the speaker 29 over a period (for example, 3 seconds) determinedaccording to a result and the like of the lottery processing (step S13in FIG. 12).

Then, the main CPU 40 determines whether it is the timing at which acommand is to be issued so as to stop the rotating of the reel 14, ornot (step S42).

The timing at which a command is issued so as to stop rotation of a reel14 is a timing before the time when the representation to be executedwhile the reels are rotating is terminated, which is an interval havingthe minimum time necessary for stopping the rotating of the reel 14.Note that the minimum time necessary for stopping the rotating of thereel 14 is determined in advance.

If it is determined in step S42 that it is not the timing at which thecommand to stop the rotating of the reel 14 is to be issued, the processreturns to the processing in step S42 and the representation to beexecuted while the reels are rotating continues to be conducted. On theother hand, if it is determined in step S42 that it is the timing atwhich the command to stop the rotating of the reel 14 is to be issued,the main CPU 41 transmits to the sub CPU 61 a code No. of the reel whichis stored in RAM 43 (step S43). When the sub CPU 61 receives a code No.of the reel from the main CPU 41, the code No. is converted to astopping position of the reel (the number of steps) from an index, basedon a correspondence table between the number or steps and the code Nos.stored in ROM (not shown in the figure) included in the sub CPU 61 (stepS52).

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing a correspondence table betweenthe number of steps and the code No. Each of the code Nos. is related toan index and the number of steps.

Each code No. corresponds to the symbols depicted on the circumferentialsurfaces of the reels 14 (see FIG. 3) and symbols of code Nos. “00” to“10” correspond to the index 1. Moreover, symbols of code Nos. “11” to“21” correspond to the index 2. The number of steps in thecorrespondence table shown in FIG. 17 is the number of steps with theindex 1 as a reference. For example, if a code No. is “08”, a stoppingposition of the reel is at 145 steps from the index 1. If a code No. is“12”, a stopping position of the reel is at 218 steps from the index 1.

Then, the sub CPU 61 executes a reel stopping processing (step S53). Inthe processing, the sub CPU 61 detects a rise in the index detectingcircuit 65 from “Low” to “High” (the index 1) on each of the reels 14,and supplies to the motor driving circuit 65 pulses corresponding to thenumber of steps which were converted in step S52 from a code No. at atiming at which the index 1 is detected, and supply of pulses is ceasedthereafter.

For example, when, in step S52, the stopping positions of the reels aredetermined to be 145 steps from the index 1, the sub CPU 61 supplies 145pulses to the motor driving circuit 65 at a timing at which the index 1is detected, and the supply of pulses is terminated thereafter.Furthermore, when, in step S52, the stopping positions of the reels aredetermined to be 218 steps from the index 1, the sub CPU 61 supplies 218pulses to the motor driving circuit 65 at a timing at which the index 1is detected. As a result, the reels 14 stop at the code No. determinedin step 32 of FIG. 13 and the combination of symbols corresponding tothe winning combination determined in step S32 of FIG. 13 is stopdisplayed on the winning line L. On the other hand, the main CPU 41terminates the representation to be executed while the reels arerotating. After the processing in steps S44 and S53 are over, thepresent reel rotating control processing is completed.

Moreover, when an index corresponding to the code No. transmitted instep S43 is different from an index detected by the index detectingcircuit 65 when the rotating of the reels 14 stop, this means that anout-of-order state occurred on the reels 14; therefore, the main CPU 41conducts a processing for displaying an error message on the lower imagedisplay panel 16 to temporarily stop a game.

For example, in a case where, even though a processing for stopping thereel 14L was executed at the code No. 12 corresponding to the index 2,the index 1 is detected by the index detecting circuit 65 when therotating of the reel 14L stops, the game is temporarily stopped.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a bonus game processingcalled and executed in step S16 of the subroutine shown in FIG. 12. Inthe bonus game processing, firstly, the main CPU 41 determines thenumber T of bonus games from 10 to 25 games, based on a random numbervalue obtained by executing a random number generation program includedin a lottery program stored in RAM 43 (step S60). The main CPU 41 storesas data into RAM 43 the number of games of the determined bonus games.

Next, the main CPU 41 conducts a lottery processing (step S61) and areel rotating control processing (step S63). The processing in step S61is a processing almost the same as the processing described using FIG.13. The processing in step S63 is a processing almost the same as theprocessing described using FIG. 15. Since descriptions of theseprocessing have already been given, descriptions thereof are omittedherein.

Then, the main CPU 41 determines whether a bonus game trigger has beenestablished or not, that is, whether three “APPLE” are stop displayed inthe display windows 15 or not (step S64). If it is determined that thebonus game trigger has been established, the number t of additionalgames of the bonus game is determined in a lottery (step S65) and thedetermined number t of additional games is added to the number T ofgames of the bonus game (step S66). Thus, when a bonus game is hitduring the bonus game, a remaining number of bonus games increases. Morespecifically, for example, in a case where a game state shifts to 20bonus games for the first time, and hits 17 bonus games upon conducting12 of the bonus games, another 25 bonus games (20 bonus games−12 bonusgames+17 bonus games) are to be conducted.

If a bonus game trigger has not been established, the main CPU 41determines whether a winning combination has been established or not(step S67). If it is determined that the winning combination has beenestablished, the main CPU 41 conducts payout of coins corresponding tothe number of coin-in and the winning combination (step S68). Since theprocessing is similar to the processing in step S18 and descriptionthereof has already been given, the description of the presentprocessing is omitted herein. At the time of executing the processing instep S68, the main CPU 41 functions as means for paying out game media(coins) according to the determined winning combination.

In a case where the processing in step S66 or S68 has been executed, orif it is determined in step S67 that any winning combination has notbeen established (if it is determined that a failure has occurred), themain CPU 41 reads the number T of bonus games stored in RAM 43, and onebonus game is subtracted from the read number T of bonus games. Thenumber T of bonus games after the subtraction is again stored into RAM43 (step S69).

Then, the main CPU 41 determines whether the number T of bonus gamesreaches the number of games determined in step S60 or not (step S70).More specifically, it is determined whether the number T of games storedin RAM 43 has become 0 or not, and if the number T of games is not 0,that is, if it is determined that the number of bonus games played doesnot reach the number of games which were determined in step S60, theprocess returns to step S61 and the above-mentioned processing isrepeated. On the other hand, if the number T of games is 0, that is, ifit is determined that the number T of games has reached the number ofgames which were determined in step S60, a number-of-games reset signalis transmitted to the control device 200 (step S71), and the presentsubroutine is completed thereafter. The number-of-games reset signalincludes the gaming machine identification information of the gamingmachine 10, and CPU 201 of the control device 200, when receiving thenumber-of-games reset signal, resets to 0 the number of games of whichis stored in the hard disc drive 205 by being made to correspond to thegaming machine identification information included in thenumber-of-games reset signal.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a return mode processingcalled and executed in step S20 of the subroutine shown in FIG. 12.

Firstly, the main CPU 41 extracts image data corresponding to a setvalue from image data as notification data which is stored in the RAM43, conducts, based on the image data, a processing for displaying animage corresponding to a set value on the lower image display panel 16,and notifies the transition to the return mode by an image (step S80).The set value is transmitted as data to the gaming machine 10 from thecontrol device 200 and stored in RAM 43 by step S22 of FIG. 12. Imagedata for notifying the transition to the payout return mode is read fromthe memory card 53 and included in a game program stored into RAM 43. Inthe game program, as image data for notifying the transition to thepayout return mode, included are a plurality of image data which aremade to correspond to the set values.

The main CPU 41 determines the image to be displayed on the lower imagedisplay panel 16, based on the set value stored in RAM 43. The main CPU41 transmits to the graphic board 68 a depiction command based on theresult determined. In the graphic mode 68, VDP extracts from RAM 43image data corresponding to the set value, expands the data on the videoRAM, produces image data for one frame and outputs the image data to thelower image display panel 16. As a result, for example, an image asshown in FIG. 20 is displayed on the lower image display panel 16.

FIG. 20 is a figure showing an example of image displayed on the lowerimage display panel when a game state shifts to the return mode (whenthe ticket is issued). Numerical reference 15 (15L, 15C and 15R) in thefigures indicates display windows. An image shown in FIG. 20 is an imagedisplayed on the lower image display panel 16 when a game state shiftsto the return mode. On the lower image display panel 16, an imageshowing “BONUS !!”, together with two images showing fireworks aredisplayed. An image showing “TIME OF PLAY 600” is also displayed in thelower portion of the lower image display panel 16. This image is animage showing that the number of games reached 600).

Then, the main CPU 41 extracts from sound data as data for notificationstored in the RAM 43, sound data corresponding to a set value, and basedon the sound data, outputs from the speaker 29 a sound corresponding tothe set value, to thereby notify transition to the return mode with asound (step S81). The sound data for notifying transition to the returnmode is included in a game program read from the memory card 53 andstored in RAM 43. In the game program, sound data of plural kinds whichare made to correspond to the set values are included as sound datawhich notifies that the game state has shifted to the return mode.

The main CPU 41 determines the sound output from the speaker 29, basedon the set value stored in RAM 43. The main CPU 41 extracts a sound datafrom RAM 43, based on the result determined, and converts the sound datato a sound signal to supply the signal to the speaker 29. As a result, asound indicating the generation of the return mode is output from thespeaker 29.

Then, the main CPU 41 prints gift information determined according to aset value (the number of games) and issues the resultant as the ticket39 with a bar code (step S82). The gift information is included as datain the return command signal transmitted to the gaming machine 10 fromthe control device 200 in step S22 of FIG. 12. The gift information isstored as data in the RAM 43 of the gaming machine 10 which received thereturn command signal. In this processing the main CPU 41 outputs acontrol signal to the ticket printer 35 according to the giftinformation stored in the RAM 43 and issues the ticket 39 with a barcode. On this occasion, the main CPU 41 functions as means for issuing arecorded storage medium on which predetermined gift information isrecorded.

Then, the return mode flag is set to the state “OFF” (step S83), andthus the present subroutine is completed.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a counting processing called and executedin step S22 of the subroutine shown in FIG. 12.

The processing is a processing conducted between the main CPU 41 of agaming machine 10 and CPU 201 of the control device 200. Here, the setvalue “600” is set to each of the plural gaming machines 10 (see FIG.6).

To begin with, the main CPU 41 transmits by the communication interface44 the number of coin-in and the number of coin-out stored in RAM 43together with the gaming machine identification number to the controldevice 200 through the communication line 101 (step S90). The number ofcoin-in and the number of coin-out transmitted to the control device 200from the gaming machine 10 are those of the game concerned.

The processing in step S90 is a processing in which the main CPU 41(processing device) transmits the identification information of thegaming machine 10 stored in the main RAM 43 (storage device) to thecontrol device 200 through the communication line 101, each time a gameis played. When the processing in step S90 is executed, the main CPU 41functions as means for transmitting the identification information ofthe gaming machine 10 to the control device 200 through thecommunication line 101.

On the other hand, CPU 201 of the control device 200, when receivingfrom the gaming machine 10 the number of coin-in, the number of coin-outand the gaming machine identification number through the communicationline 101 by the communication interface 204, updates the number ofgames, the accumulative number of coin-in and the accumulative number ofcoin-out corresponding to the received gaming machine identificationnumber (step S100), by choosing the data, which are made to correspondto each of the gaming machine identification numbers, of the number ofgames, the accumulative number of coin-in, the accumulative number ofcoin-out stored in the hard disc drive 205 (see FIG. 6).

Then, CPU 201 determines whether the number of games after the updatinghas reached the set value or not (step S101). If it is determined thatthe number of games after the updating has not reached the set value,the subroutine is terminated.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S101 that the number ofgames after the updating has reached the set value, CPU 201 transmitsthrough the communication line 101 by the communication interface 204 tothe gaming machine 10, in which the number of games has reached the setvalue, a return command signal showing the set value and the giftinformation (step S103).

Then, CPU 201 resets to 0 the number of games stored in the hard discdrive 205 which are made to correspond to the gaming machineidentification number of the gaming machine 10 (step S104). Thereafter,the present processing is terminated.

The main CPU 41 of the gaming machine 10, when receiving the returncommand signal transmitted from the control device 200 in step S103,sets the return mode flag to the state “ON” (step S91). The processingin step S91 is a processing for receiving a command signal transmittedfrom the control device 200 when the number of games accumulativelycounted by the control device 200 based on the identificationinformation of the gaming machine 10 reaches a set value that is anobject of comparison with the number of games. Instep S91, the main CPU41 functions as means for receiving a command signal transmitted fromthe control device 200. The main CPU 41 thereafter stores into RAM 43data showing the set value and the gift information, included in thereturn command signal (step S92). Thereafter, the present processing isterminated.

In the present embodiment, description has been given of a case wherethe control device 200 transmits a return command signal showing the setvalue and the gift information (step S103). In the present invention,however, the data (for example, the value and information) included inthe return command signal (command signal) is not particularly limited.In the case where the control device 200 transmits the return commandsignal which does not include the gift information, it is sufficientthat the gaming machine 10 stores data showing the gift information inadvance.

In the present embodiment, description has been given of a case where agame state shifts to the return mode when the number of games reaches aset value (see FIG. 21, step S91) and the ticket 39 with a bar code isissued (see FIG. 19, step S82) The present invention is, however, notlimited to this example. For example, when the number of games reachesthe set value, the gaming machine 10 may issue a recorded storage mediumwithout shifting to the return mode (irrespective of whether the returnmode flag is set or not).

According to the present embodiment, a gaming machine 10 is

equipped with the main CPU 41 (processing device), RAM 43 (storagedevice) and the spin switch 23S (output device), and

connected through the communication line 101 to the control device 200which accumulatively counts the number of games for every gaming machine10 of plural gaming machines 10,

wherein

the main CPU 41 executes:

a processing determining one winning combination selected from pluralwinning combinations determined in advance by executing a lotteryprogram stored in RAM 43 according to reception of the start signalwhich is output from the spin switch 23S and indicates start of a game(see FIG. 13);

a processing paying out coins according to the determined winningcombination (see FIGS. 12 and 18);

a processing transmitting through the communication line 101 to thecontrol device 200 the identification information of the gaming machine10 stored in RAM 43 each time a game is played (step S90 in FIG. 21);

a processing receiving a command signal transmitted from the controldevice 200 when the number of games accumulatively counted by thecontrol device 200, based on the identification information of thegaming machine, reaches a set value that is an object of comparison withthe number of games (step S91 in FIG. 21); and

a processing issuing, based on the command signal, the ticket 39 with abar code on which predetermined gift information is printed (see FIG.19).

A gaming machine 10 is connected through the communication line 101 tothe control device 200 which accumulatively counts the number of gamesfor each gaming machine 10 of plural gaming machines 10, and comprises:

output means (for example, the spin switch 23S) for outputting, by anoperation of a player, a start signal indicating start of a game;

winning combination determination means (for example, the main CPU 41)for determining a winning combination by a lottery according toreception of the start signal;

means (for example, the main CPU 41) for paying out coins according tothe determined winning combination;

means (for example, the main CPU 41) for transmitting an identificationinformation of the gaming machine 10 to the control device 200 throughthe communication line 101 each time a game is played;

means (for example, the main CPU 41) for receiving a command signaltransmitted from the control device 200 when the number of gamesaccumulatively counted by the control device 200 based on theidentification information of the gaming machine reaches a set value;and

means (for example, the main CPU 41) for issuing, based on the commandsignal, the ticket 39 with a bar code on which predetermined giftinformation is printed.

The gaming machine 10 pays out coins according to a winning combinationdetermined by a lottery each time a game is played. Meanwhile, when thenumber of games reaches a set value that is an object of comparison withthe number of games, the gaming machine issues the ticket 39 with a barcode on which predetermined gift information is printed. Therefore, theplayer can clearly recognize that the obtained profit is based on thenumber of games. Further, even when a large number of coins have beenspent, the ticket 39 with a bar code is issued if the game is playeduntil the number of games reaches the set value, so that a player cancertainly receive a return as a result of playing the game until thenumber of games reaches the set value.

When the number of games reaches the set value, the ticket 39 with a barcode is issued, but there is no influence on the game being played. Thatis, the flow of a game is not disturbed by a special game or the likewhich is suddenly generated during a game being played. Therefore, aplayer who has spent a large number of coins can be prevented fromfeeling unpleasant against a game, building up a distrust thereto, orlosing interest in or a concern on the game without disturbing thecourse of the game.

A gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment is connected tothe control device 200 through the communication line 101 and thecontrol device 200 conducts counting of the number of games in thegaming machine 10 and determines whether or not the number of games hasreached the set value. The gaming machine 10 is not required to use anetwork and maybe standalone.

A standalone gaming machine 10 according to the present invention isequipped with the main CPU 41 (processing device), RAM 43 (storagedevice), and the spin switch 23S (output device),

wherein the main CPU 41 executes:

a processing determining one winning combination selected from pluralwinning combination determined in advance by executing a lottery programstored in RAM 43 according to reception of the start signal which isoutput from the spin switch 23S and indicates start of a game;

a processing paying out coins according to the determined winningcombination;

a processing accumulatively counting the number of games each time agame is played;

a processing determining whether or not the number of games has reacheda set value; and

a processing, when the number of games is determined to have reached theset value, reading predetermined gift information stored in RAM 43,printing the predetermined gift information and issuing the ticket 39with a bar code.

The gaming machine 10 comprises:

output means (for example, the spin switch 23S) for outputting, by anoperation of a player, a start signal indicating start of a game;

winning combination determination means (for example, the main CPU 41)for determining a winning combination by a lottery according toreception of the start signal;

means (for example, the main CPU 41) for paying out coins according tothe determined winning combination;

means (for example, the main CPU 41) for accumulatively counting thenumber of games each time a game is played;

means (for example, RAM 43) for storing predetermined gift information;

means (for example, the main CPU 41) for determining whether or not thenumber of games has reached a set value; and

means (for example, the main CPU 41) for issuing, when the number ofgames is determined to have reached the set value, the ticket 39 with abar code on which predetermined gift information is printed.

While the gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment issues arecorded storage medium (the ticket 39 with a bar code) when the numberof games reaches a set value, the present invention is not limited tothis example. A gaming machine 10 of the present invention may issue arecorded storage medium (the ticket 39 with a bar code) when a paymentbalance in terms of coins reaches a set value.

Such a gaming machine 10 is

equipped with the main CPU 41 (processing device); RAM 43 (storagedevice), and the spin switch 23S (output device), and

connected through the communication line 101 to the control device 200which accumulatively counts the payment balance in terms of coins forevery gaming machine 10 of plural gaming machines 10,

wherein

the main CPU 41 executes:

a processing determining one winning combination selected from pluralwinning combinations determined in advance by executing a lotteryprogram stored in RAM 43 according to reception of the start signalwhich is output from the spin switch 23S and indicates start of a game;

a processing paying out coins according to the determined winningcombination;

a processing transmitting through the communication line 101 to thecontrol device 200 the number of coin-in and the number of coin-out inthe game, being stored in RAM 43, and an identification information ofthe gaming machine 10 each time a game is played;

a processing receiving a command signal transmitted from the controldevice 200 when the payment balance in terms of coins accumulativelycounted by the control device 200, based on the identificationinformation of the gaming machine 10 and the number of coin-in and thenumber of coin-out in the game, falls to or below a set value that is anobject of comparison with the payment balance in terms of coins; and

a processing issuing, based on the command signal, the ticket 39 with abar code on which predetermined gift information is printed.

The gaming machine 10 is connected through the communication line 101 tothe control-device 200 which accumulatively counts the payment balancein terms of coins for each gaming machine 10 of plural gaming machines10, and comprises:

output means (for example, the spin switch 23S) for outputting, by anoperation of a player, a start signal indicating start of a game;

winning combination determination means (for example, the main CPU 41)for determining a winning combination by a lottery according toreception of the start signal;

means (for example, the main CPU 41) for paying out coins according tothe determined winning combination;

means (for example, the main CPU 41) for transmitting, each time a gameis played, the payment balance in the game in terms of coins and anidentification information of the gaming machine 101 to the controldevice 200 through the communication line 101;

means (for example, the main CPU 41) for receiving a command signaltransmitted from the control device 200 when the payment balance interms of coins accumulatively counted by the control device 200, basedon the identification information of the gaming machine 10 and thepayment balance in the game in terms of coins, reaches a set value thatis an object of comparison with the payment balance in terms of coins;and

means (for example, the main CPU 41) for issuing, based on the commandsignal, the ticket 39 with a bar code on which predetermined giftinformation is printed.

Such a gaming machine 10 pays out coins according to the winningcombination determined by a lottery each time a game is played.Meanwhile, when the payment balance in terms of coins accumulativelycounted by the control device 200 falls to or below a set value, thegaming machine issues the ticket 39 with a bar code. Therefore, theplayer can clearly recognize that the obtained profit is based on thepayment balance in terms of coins. Further, even when a large number ofcoins have been spent, the ticket 39 with a bar code is issued if thegame is played until the payment balance in terms of coins falls to orbelow the set value, so that a player can certainly receive a return asa result of playing the game until the payment balance in terms of coinsfalls to or below the set value.

Further, since the flow of a game is not disturbed, a player who hasspent a large number of coins can be prevented from feeling unpleasantagainst a game, building up a distrust thereto, or losing interest in ora concern on the game without disturbing the course of the game.

The gaming machine 10 is connected through the communication line 101 tothe control device 200 and the control device 200 counts the paymentbalance in terms of coins in the gaming machine 10, and determineswhether or not the payment balance in terms of coins has reached the setvalue. The gaming machine 10 is, however, not necessarily required to bethose using a network and may be standalone.

Such a gaming machine 10 is equipped with the main CPU 41 (processingdevice); RAM 43 (storage device), and the spin switch 23S (outputdevice),

wherein

the main CPU 41 executes:

a processing determining one winning combination selected from pluralwinning combinations determined in advance by executing a lotteryprogram stored in RAM 43 according to reception of the start signalwhich is output from the spin switch 23S and indicates start of a game;

a processing paying out coins according to the determined winningcombination;

a processing accumulatively counting a payment balance in terms of coinseach time a game is played;

a processing determining whether or not the payment balance in terms ofcoins has fallen to or below a set value set as an object of comparisonwith the payment balance in terms of coins; and

a processing, when the payment balance in terms of coins is determinedto have fallen to or below the set value, reading predetermined giftinformation stored in RAM 43, printing the predetermined giftinformation and issuing the ticket 39 with a bar code.

The gaming machine 10 comprises:

output means (for example, the spin switch 23S) for outputting, by anoperation of a player, a start signal indicating start of a game;

winning combination determination means (for example, the main CPU 41)for determining a winning combination by a lottery according toreception of the start signal;

means (for example, the main CPU 41) for paying out coins according tothe determined winning combination;

means (for example, the main CPU 41) for accumulatively counting apayment balance in terms of coins each time a game is played;

means (for example, RAM 43) for storing predetermined gift information;

means (for example, the main CPU 41) for determining whether or not thepayment balance in terms of the coins has fallen to or below a set valueset as an object of comparison with the payment balance in terms ofcoins; and

means for issuing, when the payment balance in terms of coins isdetermined to have fallen to or below the set value, the ticket 39 witha bar code on which predetermined gift information is printed.

In the present embodiment, description has been given of a case wherethe set value in all of the gaming machines 10 is set as “600”. However,in the present invention, the set value of each gaming machine 10 may bedifferent from each other, and may be selected from, for example, pluralcandidate values stepwise determined in advance. In the case ofemploying the above-mentioned embodiment for the gaming machine 10, itis sufficient to use FIGS. 22 to 24 in place of the correspondencetables shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, and perform processes shown in FIG. 25 inplace of the processes shown in FIG. 21.

FIG. 22 is a figure schematically showing another example ofcorrespondence table between a gaming machine identification number anda game history.

Each of the gaming machine identification numbers correspond to a gamehistory based on the number of games, an accumulative number of coin-in,an accumulative number of coin-out, a payment balance in terms of thecoins and a return rate of coin-out.

A set value that is an object of comparison with the number of games isdetermined for each of the gaming machine identification numbers. Theset value is selected from plural candidate values “600”, “1200” and“2400” stepwise determined in advance. A set value “600” is assigned tothe gaming machine 10 with the gaming machine identification number“001”. A set value “600” is assigned to the gaming machine 10 with thegaming machine identification number “002”. A set value “1200” isassigned to the gaming machine 10 with the gaming machine identificationnumber “003”. In the present invention, the values or number of thecandidate values is not particularly limited, and may be set accordingto circumstances. Moreover, the set value does not need to be setindividually for each of the gaming machines 10, but assigned to pluralgaming machines 10 collectively.

FIG. 23 is a figure schematically showing another example ofcorrespondence table between a set value and the gift information.

At a set value “600”, “1000 coins” is set as the gift information. At aset value “1200”, “2000 coins” is set as the gift information. At a setvalue “2400”, “4000 coins” is set as the gift information. In thepresent invention, it is not necessary for the gift information set tocorrespond to a set value to be constantly the same, and for example,the gift information set to correspond to a set value may be changeableaccording to a game history and the like.

FIG. 24 is a figure schematically showing another example ofcorrespondence table between a set value and the gift information.

At a set value “600”, “(−payment balance)×50% of coins (1000 coins if apayment balance≧0)” is set as gift information. Hence, if a paymentbalance is “−2000” when the number of games reaches 600, the giftinformation is “1000 coins”, and if a payment balance is “−4000”, thegift information is “2000 coins”. At a set value “1200”, “(−paymentbalance)×60% of coins (2000 coins if a payment balance≧0)” is set asgift information. At a set value “2400”, “(−payment balance)×70% ofcoins (4000 coins if a payment balance≧0)” is set as gift information.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing another example of a subroutine of acounting processing. In the flowchart shown in FIG. 25, the samenumerical references are assigned to steps which conduct processingsimilar to those in the flowchart shown in FIG. 21.

Here, one set value selected from plural candidate values “600”, “1200”and “2400” stepwise determined in advance is set to each of the pluralgaming machines 10 (see FIG. 22).

Then, CPU 201 of the control device 200 determines whether or not thenumber of games after the updating has reached the set value (step S101)after the processing of step S100. If it is determined that the numberof games after the updating has not reached the set value, thesubroutine is terminated.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S101 that the number ofgames after the updating has reached the set value, CPU 201 determinesgift information corresponding to the set value with reference to thecorrespondence table (see FIG. 23) between the set value and the giftinformation stored in the hard disk drive 205 (step S102).

Next, CPU 201 transmits through the communication line 101 by thecommunication interface 204 to the gaming machine 10, in which thenumber of games has reached the set value, a return command signalshowing the set value and the gift information (step S103). Then, CPU201 resets to 0 the number of games stored in the hard disc drive 205which are made to correspond to the gaming machine identification numberof the gaming machine 10 (step S104). Subsequently, CPU 201 selects anew set value by a lottery and stores the selected set value in the harddisk drive 205 so that the set value is associated with the gamingmachine identification number of the gaming machine 10 (step S105).

The main CPU 41 of the gaming machine 10, when receiving the returncommand signal transmitted from the control device 200 in step S103,sets the return mode flag to the state “ON” (step S91). The main CPU 41thereafter stores into RAM 43 data showing the set value and the giftinformation, included in the return command signal (step S92).Thereafter, the present processing is terminated. Since the rest of theprocessing is similar to the processing described above by using FIG.21, the description thereof is omitted here.

In the present embodiment, description has been given of a case where agame state shifts to the return mode when the return mode flag has beenset to the state “ON”, without other conditions being establishedthereafter. The present invention is, however, not limited to thisexample and, for example, a game state may shift to the return mode whena predetermined condition has been met after the return mode flag is setto the state “ON”. In such a case, the predetermined condition fortransition to the return mode is not particularly limited, and mayinclude, for example, establishment of a bonus game trigger, stopdisplay of a predetermined combination of symbols, and of the likeconditions.

In the present embodiment, description has been given of a case where agame state shifts to the return mode when the return mode flag is set tothe state “ON”, regardless of the combination of symbols stop displayedthereafter. However, the present invention is not limited to thisexample. For example, a combination of symbols corresponding to thetransition to the return mode may be set in advance and a game state mayshift to the return mode after the symbols are stop displayed in thatwinning combination.

In the present embodiment, description has been given of a case wheresymbols are stop displayed (step S14 in FIG. 12), a processing isconducted based on the stop displayed combination of symbols (steps S15to S20 in FIG. 12), and the number of games is counted (step S22 in FIG.12) thereafter. In the present invention, however, no specificlimitation is placed on a timing at which counting of the number ofgames is conducted. For example, the timing may be a timing at which BETof a coin is conducted (after step S10 or S11 in FIG. 12) or a timing atwhich the spin button is turned ON (after step S12 in FIG. 12). Thenumber of games may be counted at a predetermined timing that is in theperiod from the time when display of a change in symbol is started, tothe time when symbol sequences are stop displayed, and a processingbased on the stop displayed combination of symbols has been conducted(for example, a timing at which symbol sequences are stop displayed).Note that a timing at which a payment balance in terms of game media canbe the same as described above.

In the present embodiment, description has been given of a gamingmachine 10 in which in a case where a special winning combination,“bonus game trigger”, has been established (step S15 in FIG. 12) in theperiod from the time when the return mode flag is set to the state “ON”(step S22 in FIG. 12), to the time when transition to the return mode isconducted (step S20 in FIG. 12), transitions to the return mode isfurther conducted after the bonus game is generated (step S16 in FIG.12). That is, a gaming machine according to the present embodimentgenerates, in a case where a special winning combination is establishedin the period from the time when the number of games reaches a set valueto the time when the ticket 39 with a bar code is issued, the bonus gamebased on the special winning combination, and further issues the ticket39 with a bar code.

However, the present invention is not limited to this example. Forexample, in a case where a special winning combination is established inthe period from the time when the number of games reaches a set value tothe time when the recorded storage medium is issued, only the bonus gamemay be generated. In a case where the above embodiment is adopted, aplayer can earn a profit in the bonus game or by the recorded storagemedium without fail when a game is played until the number of gamesreaches the set value. The above embodiment is one of the embodiments ofthe present invention.

In a case where the above embodiment is adopted for the gaming machine10, it is sufficient to conduct, for example, the following processinginstead of the processing shown in FIG. 12.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing another example of a subroutine of a gameexecution processing. In the flowchart shown in FIG. 26, the samenumerical references are assigned to steps which conduct processingsimilar to those in the flowchart shown in FIG. 12.

After the processing in steps S10 to S14 are executed, the main CPU 41determines whether a bonus game trigger has been established or not(step S15) and if it is determined that the bonus game trigger has beenestablished, a bonus game processing is executed (step S16). Then, it isdetermined whether a return mode flag is set to the state “ON” or not(step S25) and if the return mode flag is set to “ON”, the return modeflag is set to the state “OFF” (step S26). The processing in step S21 isperformed thereafter and thus the present subroutine is completed. Sincethe other processing are processing similar to those described in FIG.12, descriptions thereof are omitted here. In the subroutine shown inFIG. 26, after a coins is BET (step S10), in a case where it isdetermined whether the spin button 23 has been turned ON or not (stepS12), and if it is determined that the spin button has been turned ON(YES in step S12), a processing for subtracting the number of credits(step S11) may be conducted, as in the subroutine shown in FIG. 12.

A more specific description of the processing shown in FIG. 26 will begiven here with a case where a set value is 600. In a case where, instep S22, the number of games reaches 600 and a return mode flag hasbeen established, if a bonus game trigger has been established (stepS15) in the 601st game, the bonus game is generated (step S16) buttransition to the return mode is not performed (steps S25 and S26). Onthe other hand, in a case where a bonus game trigger has not beenestablished in the 601st game run, transition to the return mode isconducted (steps S19 and S20).

Hence, in a case where the processing shown in FIG. 26 is performed, abonus game is generated or transition to the return mode is performedwithout fail, when the number of games reaches a set value.

In the present invention, in a case where a special winning combinationhas been established in the period from the time when the number ofgames reaches a set value to the time when the recorded storage mediumis issued, only the recorded storage medium may be issued, oralternatively, a choice between generation of the bonus game andissuance of the recorded storage medium may be made depending on a gamesituation and the like and executed.

An embodiment similar to the above-mentioned embodiment can also beadopted in a case where the recorded storage medium is issued accordingto a payment balance in terms of game media. In other words, in a casewhere a special winning combination has been established in the periodfrom the time when a payment balance in terms of game media falls to orbelow a set value to the time when the recorded storage medium isissued, only the bonus game maybe generated, only the recorded storagemedium may be issued, or a choice between generation of the bonus gameand issuance of the recorded storage medium may be made depending on agame situation and the like and executed.

Although the embodiment according to the present invention has beendescribed, the description presents only some of the specific examples,and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way andspecific constructions of each means and the like can be properlychanged in terms of design. Besides, the effects described in theembodiment of the present invention are only the most preferable effectsgenerated from the present invention and effects to be caused by thepresent invention is not limited to those described in the embodiment ofthe present invention.

1. A gaming machine comprising means for issuing, when the number ofgames accumulatively counted each time a game is played reaches a setvalue that is an object of comparison with said number of games, arecorded storage medium on which predetermined gift information isrecorded.
 2. A gaming machine connected through a communication line toa control device which accumulatively counts the number of games forevery gaming machine of plural gaming machines, comprising: means fortransmitting an identification information of the gaming machine to saidcontrol device through said communication line each time a game isplayed; means for receiving a command signal transmitted from saidcontrol device when said number of games accumulatively counted by saidcontrol device based on said identification information of the gamingmachine reaches a set value that is an object of comparison with saidnumber of games; and means for issuing, based on said command signal, arecorded storage medium on which predetermined gift information isrecorded.
 3. A gaming machine comprising: means for accumulativelycounting the number of games each time a game is played; means forstoring predetermined gift information; means for determining whether ornot said number of games has reached a set value set as an object ofcomparison with said number of games; and means for issuing, when saidnumber of games is determined to have reached said set value, a recordedstorage medium on which predetermined gift information is recorded.
 4. Agaming machine comprising: output means for outputting, by an operationof a player, a start signal indicating start of a game; winningcombination determination means for determining a winning combination bya lottery according to reception of the start signal; means for payingout game media according to the determined winning combination; andmeans for issuing, when the number of games accumulatively counted eachtime a game is played reaches a set value that is an object ofcomparison with said number of games, a recorded storage medium on whichpredetermined gift information is recorded.
 5. A gaming machineconnected through a communication line to a control device whichaccumulatively counts the number of games for every gaming machine ofplural gaming machines, comprising: output means for outputting, by anoperation of a player, a start signal indicating start of a game;winning combination determination means for determining a winningcombination by a lottery according to reception of the start signal;means for paying out game media according to the determined winningcombination; means for transmitting an identification information of thegaming machine to said control device through said communication lineeach time a game is played; means for receiving a command signaltransmitted from said control device when said number of gamesaccumulatively counted by said control device based on saididentification information of the gaming machine reaches a set valuethat is an object of comparison with said number of games; and means forissuing, based on said command signal, a recorded storage medium onwhich predetermined gift information is recorded.
 6. A gaming machinecomprising: output means for outputting, by an operation of a player, astart signal indicating start of a game; winning combinationdetermination means for determining a winning combination by a lotteryaccording to reception of the start signal; means for paying out gamemedia according to the determined winning combination; means foraccumulatively counting the number of games each time a game is played;means for storing predetermined gift information; means for determiningwhether or not said number of games has reached a set value set as anobject of comparison with said number of games; and means for issuing,when said number of games is determined to have reached said set value,a recorded storage medium on which predetermined gift information isrecorded.
 7. A gaming machine according to any of claims 1 to 6, whereinsaid means for issuing the recorded storage medium issues, when thenumber of games reaches the set value that is an object of comparisonwith said number of games, a recorded storage medium on which giftinformation corresponding to a predetermined number of game media isrecorded.
 8. A gaming machine equipped with a processing device whereinsaid processing device executes: a processing issuing, when the numberof games accumulatively counted each time a game is played reaches a setvalue that is an object of comparison with said number of games, arecorded storage medium on which predetermined gift information isrecorded.
 9. A gaming machine equipped with a processing device and astorage device, and connected through a communication line to a controldevice which accumulatively counts the number of games for every gamingmachine of plural gaming machines, wherein said processing deviceexecutes: a processing transmitting an identification information of thegaming machine stored in said storage device to said control devicethrough said communication line each time a game is played; a processingreceiving a command signal transmitted from said control device whensaid number of games accumulatively counted by said control device basedon said identification information of the gaming machine reaches a setvalue that is an object of comparison with said number of games; and aprocessing issuing, based on said command signal, a recorded storagemedium on which predetermined gift information is recorded.
 10. A gamingmachine equipped with a processing device and a storage device, whereinsaid processing device executes: a processing accumulatively countingthe number of games each time a game is played; a processing determiningwhether or not said number of games has reached a set value set as anobject of comparison with said number of games; and a processing, whensaid number of games is determined to have reached said set value,reading predetermined gift information stored in said storage device,recording said predetermined gift information on a storage medium andissuing the resultant recorded storage medium.
 11. A gaming machineequipped with a processing device, a storage device and an output devicefor outputting, by an operation of a player, a start signal indicatingstart of a game, wherein said processing device executes: a processingdetermining one winning combination selected from plural winningcombinations determined in advance by executing a lottery program storedin said storage device according to reception of the start signal whichis output from said output device and indicates start of a game; aprocessing paying out game media according to the determined winningcombination; and a processing issuing, when the number of gamesaccumulatively counted each time a game is played reaches a set valuethat is an object of comparison with said number of games, a recordedstorage medium on which predetermined gift information is recorded. 12.A gaming machine equipped with a processing device, a storage device andan output device for outputting, by an operation of a player, a startsignal indicating start of a game, and connected through a communicationline to a control device which accumulatively counts the number of gamesfor every gaming machine of plural gaming machines, wherein saidprocessing device executes: a processing determining one winningcombination selected from plural winning combinations determined inadvance by executing a lottery program stored in said storage deviceaccording to reception of the start signal which is output from saidoutput device and indicates start of a game; a processing paying outgame media according to the determined winning combination; a processingtransmitting an identification information of the gaming machine storedin said storage device to said control device through said communicationline each time a game is played; a processing receiving a command signaltransmitted from said control device when said number of gamesaccumulatively counted by said control device based on saididentification information of the gaming machine reaches a set valuethat is an object of comparison with said number of games; and aprocessing issuing, based on said command signal, a recorded storagemedium on which predetermined gift information is recorded.
 13. A gamingmachine equipped with a processing device, a storage device and anoutput device for outputting, by an operation of a player, a startsignal indicating start of a game, wherein said processing deviceexecutes: a processing determining one winning combination selected fromplural winning combinations determined in advance by executing a lotteryprogram stored in said storage device according to reception of thestart signal which is output from said output device and indicates startof a game; a processing paying out game media according to thedetermined winning combination; a processing accumulatively counting thenumber of games each time a game is played; a processing determiningwhether or not said number of games has reached a set value set as anobject of comparison with said number of games; and a processing, whensaid number of games is determined to have reached said set value,reading predetermined gift information stored in said storage device,recording said predetermined gift information on a storage medium andissuing the resultant recorded storage medium.
 14. A gaming machineaccording to any of claims 8 to 13, wherein said processing deviceexecutes a processing issuing, when the number of games reaches a setvalue that is an object of comparison with said number of games, arecorded storage medium on which gift information corresponding to apredetermined number of game media is recorded.
 15. A gaming machinecomprising means for issuing, when a payment balance in terms of gamemedia accumulatively counted each time a game is played falls to orbelow a set value that is an object of comparison with the paymentbalance in terms of game media, a recorded storage medium on whichpredetermined gift information is recorded.
 16. A gaming machineconnected through a communication line to a control device whichaccumulatively counts a payment balance in terms of game media for everygaming machine of plural gaming machines, comprising: means fortransmitting, each time a game is played, the payment balance in thegame in terms of game media and an identification information of thegaming machine to the control device through the communication line;means for receiving a command signal transmitted from the control devicewhen the payment balance in terms of game media accumulatively countedby the control device, based on the identification information of thegaming machine and the payment balance in the game in terms of gamemedia, reaches a set value that is an object of comparison with thepayment balance in terms of game media; and means for issuing, based onsaid command signal, a recorded storage medium on which predeterminedgift information is recorded.
 17. A gaming machine comprising: means foraccumulatively counting a payment balance in terms of game media eachtime a game is played; means for storing predetermined gift information;means for determining whether or not the payment balance in terms ofgame media has fallen to or below a set value set as an object ofcomparison with the payment balance in terms of game media; and meansfor issuing, when the payment balance in terms of game media isdetermined to have fallen to or below the set value, a recorded storagemedium on which predetermined gift information is recorded.
 18. A gamingmachine comprising: output means for outputting, by an operation of aplayer, a start signal indicating start of a game; winning combinationdetermination means for determining a winning combination by a lotteryaccording to reception of the start signal; means for paying out gamemedia according to the determined winning combination; and means forissuing, when a paint balance in terms of game media falls to or below aset value that is an object of comparison with the payment balance interms of game media, a recorded storage medium on which predeterminedgift information is recorded.
 19. A gaming machine connected through acommunication line to a control device which accumulatively counts apayment balance in terms of game media for every gaming machine ofplural gaming machines, comprising: output means for outputting, by anoperation of a player, a start signal indicating start of a game;winning combination determination means for determining a winningcombination by a lottery according to reception of the start signal;means for paying out game media according to the determined winningcombination; means for transmitting, each time a game is played, thepayment balance in the game in terms of game media and an identificationinformation of the gaming machine to the control device through thecommunication line; means for receiving a command signal transmittedfrom the control device when the payment balance in terms of game mediaaccumulatively counted by the control device, based on theidentification information of the gaming machine and the payment balancein the game in terms of game media, reaches a set value that is anobject of comparison with the payment balance in terms of game media;and means for issuing, based on said command signal, a recorded storagemedium on which predetermined gift information is recorded.
 20. A gamingmachine comprising: output means for outputting, by an operation of aplayer, a start signal indicating start of a game; winning combinationdetermination means for determining a winning combination by a lotteryaccording to reception of the start signal; means for paying out gamemedia according to the determined winning combination; means foraccumulatively counting a payment balance in terms of game media eachtime a game is played; means for storing predetermined gift information;means for determining whether or not the payment balance in terms ofgame media has fallen to or below a set value set as an object ofcomparison with the payment balance in terms of game media; and meansfor issuing, when the payment balance in terms of game media isdetermined to have fallen to or below the set value, a recorded storagemedium on which predetermined gift information is recorded.
 21. A gamingmachine according to any of claims 15 to 20, wherein said means forissuing the recorded storage medium issues, when the payment balance interms of game media falls to or below the set value that is an object ofcomparison with the payment balance in terms of game media, a recordedstorage medium on which gift information corresponding to apredetermined number of game media is recorded.
 22. A gaming machineequipped with a processing device wherein said processing deviceexecutes: a processing issuing, when a payment balance in terms of gamemedia falls to or below a set value that is an object of comparison withthe payment balance in terms of game media, a recorded storage medium onwhich predetermined gift information is recorded.
 23. A gaming machineequipped with a processing device and a storage device, and connectedthrough a communication line to a control device which accumulativelycounts a payment balance in terms of game media for every gaming machineof plural gaming machines, wherein said processing device executes: aprocessing transmitting the numbers, being stored in the storage device,of game media inserted and paid out in the game and an identificationinformation of the gaming machine to the control device through thecommunication line each time a game is played; a processing receiving acommand signal transmitted from the control device when the paymentbalance in terms of game media accumulatively counted by the controldevice, based on the identification information of the gaming machineand the numbers of game media inserted and paid out in the game, fallsto or below a set value that is an object of comparison with the paymentbalance in terms of game media; and a processing issuing, based on saidcommand signal, a recorded storage medium on which predetermined giftinformation is recorded.
 24. A gaming machine equipped with a processingdevice and a storage device, wherein said processing device executes: aprocessing accumulatively counting a payment balance in terms of gamemedia each time a game is played; a processing determining whether ornot the payment balance in terms of game media has fallen to or below aset value set as an object of comparison with the payment balance interms of game media; and a processing, when the payment balance in termsof game media is determined to have fallen to or below the set value,reading predetermined gift information stored in said storage device,recording said predetermined gift information on a storage medium andissuing the resultant recorded storage medium.
 25. A gaming machineequipped with a processing device, a storage device and an output devicefor outputting, by an operation of a player, a start signal indicatingstart of a game, wherein said processing device executes: a processingdetermining one winning combination selected from plural winningcombinations determined in advance by executing a lottery program storedin said storage device according to reception of the start signal whichis output from said output device and indicates start of a game; aprocessing paying out game media according to the determined winningcombination; and a processing issuing, when a payment balance in termsof game media falls to or below a set value that is an object ofcomparison with the payment balance in terms of game media, a recordedstorage medium on which predetermined gift information is recorded. 26.A gaming machine equipped with a processing device, a storage device andan output device for outputting, by an operation of a player, a startsignal indicating start of a game, and connected through a communicationline to a control device which accumulatively counts a payment balancein terms of game media for every gaming machine of plural gamingmachines, wherein said processing device executes: a processingdetermining one winning combination selected from plural winningcombinations determined in advance by executing a lottery program storedin said storage device according to reception of the start signal whichis output from said output device and indicates start of a game; aprocessing paying out game media according to the determined winningcombination; a processing transmitting the numbers, being stored in thestorage device, of game media inserted and paid out in the game and anidentification information of the gaming machine to the control devicethrough the communication line each time a game is played; a processingreceiving a command signal transmitted from the control device when thepayment balance in terms of game media accumulatively counted by thecontrol device, based on the identification information of the gamingmachine and the numbers of game media inserted and paid out in the game,falls to or below a set value that is an object of comparison with thepayment balance in terms of game media; and a processing issuing, basedon said command signal, a recorded storage medium on which predeterminedgift information is recorded.
 27. A gaming machine equipped with aprocessing device, a storage device and an output device for outputting,by an operation of a player, a start signal indicating start of a game,wherein said processing device executes: a processing determining onewinning combination selected from plural winning combinations determinedin advance by executing a lottery program stored in said storage deviceaccording to reception of the start signal which is output from saidoutput device and indicates start of a game; a processing paying outgame media according to the determined winning combination; a processingaccumulatively counting a payment balance in terms of game media eachtime a game is played; a processing determining whether or not thepayment balance in terms of game media has fallen to or below a setvalue set as an object of comparison with the payment balance in termsof game media; and a processing, when the payment balance in terms ofgame media is determined to have fallen to or below the set value,reading predetermined gift information stored in said storage device,recording said predetermined gift information on a storage medium andissuing the resultant recorded storage medium.
 28. A gaming machineaccording to any of claims 22 to 27, wherein said processing deviceexecutes a processing issuing, when the payment balance in terms of gamemedia falls to or below the set value that is an object of comparisonwith the payment balance in terms of game media, a recorded storagemedium on which gift information corresponding to a predetermined numberof game media is recorded.
 29. A gaming machine comprising: means forpaying out game media according to a winning combination determined by apredetermined lottery each time a game starts; and means for issuing,when the number of games played by a player reaches a predeterminednumber of games, a recorded storage medium on which predetermined giftinformation is recorded.
 30. A gaming machine comprising: means forpaying out game media according to a winning combination determined by apredetermined lottery each time a game starts; and means for issuing,when a payment balance of a player in terms of game media reaches apredetermined payment balance, a recorded storage medium on whichpredetermined gift information is recorded.
 31. A game control methodcomprising: a step of paying out game media according to a winningcombination determined by a predetermined lottery each time a gamestarts; and a step of issuing, when the number of games played by aplayer reaches a predetermined number of games, a recorded storagemedium on which predetermined gift information is recorded.
 32. A gamecontrol method comprising: a step of paying out game media according toa winning combination determined by a predetermined lottery each time agame starts; and a step of issuing, when a payment balance of a playerin terms of game media reaches a predetermined payment balance, arecorded storage medium on which predetermined gift information isrecorded.
 33. A game system equipped with a gaming machine and a controldevice, wherein said control device includes means for transmitting asignal to said gaming machine when the number of games played in saidgaming machine by a player reaches a predetermined number of games, andsaid gaming machine includes: means for paying out game media accordingto a winning combination determined by a predetermined lottery each timea game starts; and means for issuing, according to the signal receivedfrom said control device, a recorded storage medium on whichpredetermined gift information is recorded.
 34. A game system equippedwith a gaming machine and a control device, wherein said control deviceincludes means for transmitting a signal to said gaming machine when apayment balance of a player in terms of game media reaches apredetermined payment balance, and said gaming machine includes: meansfor paying out game media according to a winning combination determinedby a predetermined lottery each time a game starts; and means forissuing, according to the signal received from said control device, arecorded storage medium on which predetermined gift information isrecorded.